Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios Faces Crucial Trade Deadline Decisions
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, Ottawa Senators General Manager Steve Staios is under immense pressure to decide whether to make strategic moves to boost the team’s playoff chances or to hold off on major trades. With the 3 p.m. deadline looming, all eyes are on the Ottawa Senators and their potential plans.
Ottawa Senators Exploring Trade Possibilities
Staios has been working relentlessly at the Ottawa Senators’ headquarters, making calls and negotiating potential deals. However, with only $850,000 in available salary cap space, the Ottawa Senators are facing financial constraints that make it difficult to finalize trades.
Reports indicate that the Ottawa Senators are interested in making a “bigger deal,” and forward Josh Norris has emerged as a key player in trade discussions. Norris, who has a $7.95-million cap hit through 2026-27, has attracted interest from teams looking for a skilled center. While trading Norris would be a major move, the Ottawa Senators may wait until the offseason to explore this option further.
Ottawa Senators at a Crossroads: Playoff Push or Stability?
For the past seven seasons, the Ottawa Senators have been sellers at the trade deadline, trading away key players to rebuild for the future. However, this year is different. Currently holding the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, the Ottawa Senators have a legitimate chance at making the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
This puts Staios in a difficult position—should the Ottawa Senators make aggressive moves to strengthen the roster for a playoff push, or should they maintain stability and focus on long-term success?
Potential Trade Targets for Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are looking to add toughness and depth to their roster. The team has been linked to Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato and Seattle Kraken’s Brandon Tanev, both of whom could bring physicality and experience to the team.
Additionally, the Ottawa Senators have been exploring ways to free up salary cap space by moving defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker, whose $805,000 contract is a financial burden. However, trading him would leave the Ottawa Senators with limited defensive depth, creating another challenge for Staios.
One key concern is the health of Thomas Chabot, who left Wednesday’s game due to illness after being hit into the boards. If his condition worsens, the Ottawa Senators may need to prioritize defensive reinforcements.
What the Ottawa Senators Can Offer in Trades
A major roadblock for the Ottawa Senators is their lack of high-value trade assets. Unlike other teams, the Ottawa Senators do not have an extensive prospect pool to use as bargaining chips in trade negotiations.
Additionally, the Ottawa Senators are unwilling to trade their first-round pick, which the Blackhawks are reportedly demanding in exchange for Donato. The team must still forfeit a first-round selection in one of the next two drafts, making draft picks even more valuable for the Ottawa Senators.
Ottawa Senators Players React to Trade Deadline Pressure
Trade deadline uncertainty affects players emotionally, as they face the possibility of being traded. Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson spoke about the tense atmosphere in the locker room:
“With where we’re at as a team, we haven’t been in this position before. Usually, we’re selling guys off at this time of year. I’m not sure what’s going to happen this year as far as getting guys. It’s always a tough few days because you feel for guys out there with their families that have to move across the country. It’s a tough time of year, but that’s the business.”
Meanwhile, Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green remains optimistic, emphasizing that the current roster is capable of competing in the playoffs even without major trades.
“I like our team,” Green said. “I’ve said, from Day One, our group has matured a lot over the course of the year.”
Final Hours: What Will the Ottawa Senators Do?
As the trade deadline approaches, the Ottawa Senators must decide whether to make a bold move or stand pat. If an opportunity arises to acquire a depth player at a reasonable cost, the Ottawa Senators could finalize a last-minute deal.
However, if the right trade doesn’t materialize, the Ottawa Senators may choose to continue their playoff push with the current roster. With the team in a strong position, Staios’ decision will shape the future of the Ottawa Senators—both for this season and beyond.
Stay tuned for updates as the NHL trade deadline approaches, and the Ottawa Senators make their final moves.