Senators Rumors: Trade Coming For Ottawa?

The Ottawa Senators' rocky 8-11-1 start has reignited speculation about potential roster moves, with GM Steve Staios reportedly exploring options to address the team’s struggles. 

According to Bruce Garrioch of The Ottawa Sun, Staios has been making calls to gauge the trade market, though he remains cautious about making drastic changes too soon. 

"Every general manager is doing their job by looking and seeing if there’s anything they can do," Staios said, emphasizing his preference for internal solutions. 

However, with fan frustration mounting and playoff hopes fading, pressure is growing for the Senators to shake things up and avoid yet another lost season.

Oh look the Senators are losing 4-1 again and Brady Tkachuk is fighting….

- a relevant tweet the last 5 years
pic.twitter.com/aAdXQVyNwf

— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) November 24, 2024

Core players like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Jake Sanderson are considered untouchable, but center Josh Norris has emerged as a potential trade candidate. 

Despite a strong start this season with 13 points in 20 games, Norris’s $7.95 million cap hit through 2027-28 and history of shoulder injuries make him a logical piece to move if the Senators seek cap flexibility or roster adjustments. 

"His contract makes sense that he would be a guy they may think about moving," an NHL executive told Garrioch. 

While Staios has avoided publicly discussing specific players, Garrioch notes that Ottawa’s lack of defensive production and inconsistent goaltending have compounded their issues, with Linus Ullmark struggling to meet expectations since his high-profile acquisition.

With his 3rd period tally tonight, Tim Stützle makes it 💯 for das süperstar's NHL career!

Congratulations, Tim! pic.twitter.com/xTZVbvS75U

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) November 24, 2024

As the March 7 trade deadline looms in the coming months, the Senators may be forced to act if their fortunes don’t improve. 

Staios’s patience appears limited, with Garrioch noting, "You can’t keep rolling back with the same group and keep losing." 

The coming weeks could determine if this roster can turn things around or if big changes are necessary to salvage the season.

Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images