The Ottawa Senators' current NHL season is a story of frustrating inconsistency. One night, they display a sharp, fast, and complete game that teases their potential. The very next, familiar cracks reappear, undermining progress. This stark contrast has left the team's front office grappling with a critical decision: exercise patience or act with urgency to salvage their campaign.
A Season Defined by Ups and Downs
Their position in the standings reflects this turmoil. With a record of 16 wins, 13 losses, and 4 overtime losses, the Senators are not completely out of the playoff picture, but they are far from secure, languishing near the bottom of the competitive Atlantic Division. A recent 4-0 shutout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins showcased their capability, yet it did little to erase the overarching frustration. Compounding their problems, a series of injuries has disrupted the team's rhythm and tested its depth, forcing constant adjustments to the lineup.
The Search for Offensive Help Hits a Snag
As losses accumulate, the internal pressure to make a move has intensified. General Manager Steve Staios has been actively surveying the trade market, seeking a forward who can provide scoring stability and grit. According to reports from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, Staios has contacted several teams considered sellers, including the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators.
One prominent name linked to Ottawa is Vancouver's Connor Garland. The skilled winger, who has 19 points in 27 games this season, is a player well-regarded by Senators coach Travis Green from their time together in Vancouver. However, a major obstacle has cooled the talks. Garland is slated to begin a six-year, $36 million contract extension next season, which comes with a full no-move clause. Committing such a significant long-term cap hit is a substantial risk for an Ottawa roster whose fragility has been exposed by injuries.
Exploring Alternatives and Facing High Costs
With the Garland pursuit facing hurdles, the Senators have also shown interest in another Canucks forward, Kiefer Sherwood. However, this path is also fraught with challenges. Sherwood has attracted attention from several Eastern Conference contenders, and Vancouver's reported asking price—a first-round draft pick—is steep. This demand is particularly problematic for Ottawa, as the team is already penalized and set to lose its 2026 first-round selection due to the Evgenii Dadonov trade violation.
Faced with these high-stakes financial and asset-related dilemmas, a path of restraint is emerging as a plausible strategy. The immediate focus shifts back to the ice, where the Senators must find answers from within their current squad. Their next test comes Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. For now, the trade market whispers continue, but the most significant moves Ottawa makes might need to come from the players already in the locker room, not from a blockbuster deal.
