The hockey world is currently captivated by one of the most thrilling Stanley Cup finals in history between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights. Meanwhile, off the ice, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has stirred controversy by reportedly submitting a list of three NHL teams he wishes to be traded to.
Senators' Offseason Plans
However, the offseason is about to intensify in the nation's capital. Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios recognizes the need for upgrades ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, and the coming month will provide ample opportunities to address these needs.
In this edition of our Senators mailbag, we focus on the upcoming NHL draft and the highly anticipated trade market that is soon to open.
With the 32nd Pick...
Ryan Hyndman asks: "Now that they have their pick back (and can't trade it), what do you see the Senators prioritizing with that selection?"
The answer is a scoring forward. With Stephen Halliday set to become a full-time NHLer this fall, the organization's prospect pool is becoming shallow up front. Heading into his first professional season in Belleville of the AHL, speedy winger Blake Montgomery (117th pick, 2024) is an intriguing young player with a high ceiling. Beyond him, however, there is little to excite on offense.
Tyler Boucher (10th pick, 2021) is finally showing steady progress, but it may be too late. Oskar Pettersson (72nd pick, 2022) is stagnating with nine goals in each of his past two full seasons in Belleville, and Arthur Kaliyev likely wants to move on after not being recalled past October despite leading the AHL with 40 goals.
The Senators have excelled at selecting and developing forwards since initiating a rebuild in the late 2010s; half of the current forward corps was homegrown. However, it is time to restock the shelves after selecting defensemen Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler in the first rounds of the previous two drafts.
Potential Forward Options at No. 32
- C – Egor Shilov (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL)
- LW – Marcus Nordmark (Djurgarden Jr., Sweden)
- RW – Mathis Preston (Vancouver Giants, WHL)
- RW – Liam Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
- C – Markus Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
- LW – JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)
- C – Rhys Jamieson (Everett Silvertips, WHL)
- RW – Gleb Pugachyov (Chaika Nizhny Novgorod, MHL)
- RW – Avry Anstis (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)
- C – Ethan Garden (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)
Taking a Goaltender?
Hugh asks: "The Sens should draft a goalie at 32nd overall. Discuss."
If the Senators insist on picking a netminder this year, they should wait until the fifth or sixth round. It is understandable to feel uneasy about Ottawa's goaltending after the regular seasons from Linus Ullmark (who rebounded in the latter half) and Leevi Merilainen, but no 17-year-old fresh out of junior hockey will bring stability to the big club anytime soon.
