NHL unrestricted free agency opens Wednesday at noon ET, and the Ottawa Senators have approximately $9 million US in salary cap space to work with. President of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios has already reshaped the roster through trades—acquiring William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks and Andre Burakovsky from the Chicago Blackhawks—but additional moves are expected.
Staios urges caution on big spending
Staios stressed a disciplined approach when speaking Saturday. "I've said this to you a number of times, I'm not going to chase the shiny toy to bring in," he said. "Because, as you've seen, not only here but across the league, it doesn't work most times."
The Senators' priority remains re-signing veteran winger Claude Giroux. As of Tuesday afternoon, it appeared Nick Cousins was headed to the open market, with the team focusing on Giroux first.
Top free-agent targets for Ottawa
After trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, the Senators pursued virtually every top-six forward on the trade market ahead of the draft. With limited options in this year's free-agent class, here are the leading candidates:
Mason Marchment, LW, $4.5 million
The Columbus Blue Jackets forward brings physicality and size at 6-foot-5. He has 95 goals and 234 points in 370 NHL games. However, a bidding war is expected, and the Senators have historically struggled to win those.
Rasmus Andersson, D, $4.55 million
Andersson is expected to stay with the Vegas Golden Knights after being acquired from the Calgary Flames, but if he hits the market, he will draw heavy interest. The 29-year-old is the top right-shot defenceman available. Ottawa made a hard pitch to the Flames before the trade.
Other potential additions
Anders Lee, LW, $7 million
The New York Islanders captain, 35, has decided to move on after his entire career with the Isles. He would fill a leadership void if Giroux departs. But his age and salary demand present a significant risk.
Anthony Mantha, RW, $2.5 million
Coming off a 33-goal, 64-point season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the 31-year-old has 179 goals in 588 NHL games. He would boost offence, though a signing is considered unlikely.
The Senators will also watch the market for depth options, but Staios has made clear he will not overpay. The next 48 hours will determine whether Ottawa lands a difference-maker or stays patient.
