Ottawa Senators Navigate Roster Changes and Trade Deadline Strategy…

The Ottawa Senators have undergone significant changes this season, restructuring their management and coaching staff since November. Despite these efforts, the team continues to struggle, residing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. As the March 8 trade deadline approaches and playoff aspirations fade away, General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Steve Staios is anticipated to transition into a seller’s role in the coming weeks.

A report from the Ottawa Sun by Bruce Garrioch on December 31 revealed Staios’ intention to not only offload players but also to bolster the roster with veteran toughness and leadership. Staios is actively seeking a third-line forward who can provide support to alternate captain Claude Giroux in guiding the team’s young players. On January 6, Garrioch reiterated that Staios is still in the market for veteran assistance.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that the Senators’ management is open to exploring new strategies, expressing a desire for “professional players” who possess a strong understanding of the game and maintain excellent physical condition. However, Garrioch highlighted a league executive’s perspective that finding such players mid-season is challenging, especially those in the final year of their contracts.

Friedman and Garrioch both emphasized that Staios is currently reluctant to part ways with the team’s young core players. Notably, captain Brady Tkachuk, center Tim Stutzle, and defenseman Jake Sanderson are considered untouchable unless Staios has a change of heart. Defenseman Thomas Chabot, although a key asset, may face speculation as his no-trade clause becomes active on July 1. Despite the perceived unlikelihood of moving one of their top defensemen, Ian Mendes from The Athletic noted that the new regime in Ottawa is not bound by previous contracts, suggesting a potential shift in approach.

Mendes identified pending unrestricted free agents Vladimir Tarasenko and Dominik Kubalik as the most probable trade candidates for the Senators as the trade deadline approaches.