Senators' Trade Pursuit
Ottawa Senators Actively Seek Scoring Help on NHL Trade Market Before Draft
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The Ottawa Senators are aggressively hunting the NHL trade market for a top-six forward, just days after trading captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. Ottawa Sun reports that GM Steve Staios is ready to spend the draft capital Ottawa received from Florida — three first-round picks at No. 9, No. 25, and No. 32 — to land a marquee scoring replacement before or during the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday.
The primary target is Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish, a 23-year-old power forward selected third overall in 2021. National Post reports that Ottawa's pursuit faces at least one major obstacle: other star players, like St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou, have already blocked trades to Ottawa by invoking no-move clauses.
Tkachuk Trade Floods Ottawa With Draft Firepower
On June 21, the Senators officially shipped Tkachuk to Florida. In return, Ottawa received four picks, including three first-rounders. Ottawa Citizen reports Staios said the decision was "not one we took lightly," but that it was best for the club's long-term future. Reports from insider Elliotte Friedman indicate Tkachuk had told the team he would not sign a long-term extension beyond his current deal, which runs through 2028.
Some analysts called the return a steal for Ottawa. Calgary Herald notes that Tkachuk's point totals had slipped from 83 to 59 over three seasons, meaning Staios may have sold a declining asset at peak value. Ottawa now holds more first-round picks than almost any team heading into Friday's draft.
McTavish Is the Main Target — But Questions Remain
McTavish posted just 17 goals, 24 assists, and 41 points in 75 games last season — a disappointing year for a player with his pedigree. His contract runs six years at $7 million per season through 2031. Ottawa Sun says Ottawa's interest is strong, fueled in part by deep personal ties: Staios once traded for McTavish while running the OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs, and McTavish's father, Dale, currently works as a pro scout for the Senators.
Still, scouts have flagged concerns about McTavish's footspeed and defensive effort. The Sudbury Star reports that acquiring him would consume $7 million of Ottawa's estimated $16.9 million in cap space, leaving little room to address defensive needs. Anaheim has not confirmed any deal is close.
The 'Ottawa Tax' Problem Could Derail Talks
Ottawa's pursuit of help has already hit a wall once. Sault Star reports that Blues defenseman Colton Parayko and forward Jordan Kyrou both refused to waive their no-move clauses to join the Senators. It is a recurring problem for a Canadian market that has long struggled to attract top free agents and trade targets.
The free-agent pool this summer has been described as "shallow as ever," forcing Staios to rely on trades rather than open-market signings. LF Press notes the Senators must find creative packages — possibly including roster players like Drake Batherson or Jordan Spence alongside draft picks — to pry loose a true top-six scorer before the season begins.
Stützle and Pinto Must Now Lead a Rebuilding Core
With Tkachuk gone, Ottawa faces a real leadership vacuum. The locker room must now lean on Tim Stützle and Shane Pinto to set the tone. Ottawa Citizen reports the Senators were swept in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes last spring, exposing thin secondary scoring — the exact problem Staios is now racing to fix.
The next 72 hours will define Ottawa's direction. Staios holds three first-round picks and the will to use them. Whether he can close a deal for McTavish — or find another top-six forward who is willing to come to Ottawa — will set the tone for the Senators' next competitive window. Calgary Sun reports Staios plans to be active on the phones all the way through draft weekend.
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