Ottawa Senators Intensify Search for Right-Shot Defenseman as NHL Trade Deadline Nears
As the National Hockey League's trade deadline on March 6 rapidly approaches, the Ottawa Senators are intensifying their efforts to acquire a right-shot defenseman. The roster freeze will lift at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, following the gold-medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, leaving just 11 days for teams to make crucial moves before the deadline.
Senators' Playoff Push and Defensive Needs
In the nation's capital, all attention is focused on Steve Staios, the Senators' president of hockey operations and general manager. With the club sitting six points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and only 25 games remaining in the schedule, starting next Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings, the pressure is mounting to strengthen the roster.
League executives have informed the Ottawa Citizen in recent weeks that Staios has been actively working the trade market. The primary goal is to secure a right-shot blueliner, with a secondary focus on possibly adding a forward who could slot into the top six. This urgency stems from veteran defenseman Nick Jensen's struggles to regain his form from last season's stretch run after undergoing off-season hip surgery.
Market Conditions and Potential Targets
A check with league executives on Wednesday revealed that the market for defensemen is thin, with high prices for any available players. Among the potential targets, the Senators have shown significant interest in Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar. Weegar, 32, carries a cap hit of $6.25 million U.S. through the 2030-31 campaign and would provide stability to the right side of Ottawa's top four defensive pairings.
League executives believe the Flames would demand a top draft pick—either a first- or second-round selection—along with a high-end prospect or roster player in exchange for Weegar. However, the exact asking price from the Senators remains unclear, as no specific details have been disclosed.
Other Options and League-Wide Competition
Weegar is not the only option under consideration. The Senators have also likely explored the availability of Calgary defenseman Zach Whitecloud, though other teams are reportedly checking on the Flames' asking price for him as well. Additionally, a league executive mentioned that players like Brandon Carlo of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues could be available.
The competition for right-shot defensemen is fierce across the league. Teams such as the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth are all in the market, with the Red Wings also showing interest in Weegar. This widespread demand underscores the challenging landscape Staios and the Senators face as they aim to make a deal that fits their needs and budget.
Strategic Implications for the Senators
Acquiring a right-shot defenseman is seen as critical for the Senators' playoff aspirations. With Jensen's performance lagging, bolstering the blueline could provide the defensive solidity needed to close the gap in the Eastern Conference standings. The team's management is weighing options carefully, balancing immediate needs against long-term assets like draft picks and prospects.
As the deadline draws closer, the Senators' front office will continue to evaluate potential trades, aiming to find the right fit that can propel the team into postseason contention. The outcome of these efforts could significantly impact Ottawa's trajectory for the remainder of the season and beyond.
