NHL Trade Rumors: Senators Looking To Add
According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen, general manager Steve Staios has been searching for a top-nine forward and possibly defensive reinforcements to strengthen the lineup.
With Nick Cousins out for the season following knee surgery and recent injuries to Josh Norris and Shane Pinto, depth has become a pressing concern. Staios has shown interest in Seattle’s Brandon Tanev, Chicago’s Ryan Donato, and Nashville’s Gustav Nyquist as potential targets.
So, who is going to overpay Ryan Donato, who is shooting at 15.3% this season? I mean, is Donato good this season? Yes. Is Donato worthy a 2nd round draft pick? I don't think so. Will Donato play a 2nd line minutes in playoffs team? I don't think so. We'll see what happens. pic.twitter.com/wbO5l4YQzl
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) February 10, 2025
Making additions won’t be easy, as the market is competitive and first-round picks are in high demand.
The Senators must surrender one of their next two first-round selections due to the league’s ruling on their failed 2022 trade with Vegas, leaving them with only second- and third-round picks as trade capital.
Donato, with 19 goals and 37 points in 53 games, is an intriguing rental at $2 million, while Tanev, a physical forward with a $3.5 million cap hit, could bring grit to the lineup.
Nyquist, a veteran center with nine goals and 20 points, is a versatile option. “Every team goes through it and has injuries,” said alternate captain Thomas Chabot. “It’s not just us. Guys have to step up, and it’s a next-man-up mentality.”
Brandon Tanev was FEEDING Conor Garland some uppercuts 😳 pic.twitter.com/UetE8AYqEb
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 23, 2024
With 26 games remaining and 16 at home, Ottawa has time to solidify its playoff position, but Staios must balance short-term needs with long-term stability.
The Senators lost three straight games before the Four Nations break, including a 5-1 defeat to Florida, exposing their lack of secondary scoring. “You’re looking at the break to recharge and be ready for a big push down the stretch,” Chabot added.
While a blockbuster move seems unlikely, a strategic addition could provide the boost Ottawa needs to secure a postseason berth down the final stretch.
Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
