Steve Staios has a lot on his plate as the off-season shifts into high gear. The Ottawa Senators president of hockey operations and general manager had a front-row seat in Round 1 to watch the Carolina Hurricanes show the rest of the National Hockey League what it takes to become Stanley Cup champions. Now, Staios and the Senators have to take another step this summer towards making that dream a reality.
The days of taking solace in a gutsy four-game sweep in the first round against the Hurricanes have long since passed because “we lost in the best fashion” to the Cup champions isn’t a path to success. “I don’t think (the Senators) are close to the level of the Hurricanes,” a league executive said this week. As a result, all options should be on the table for the Senators.
Now the Senators have their work cut out for them with a lot of moving parts on the roster to not only make the playoffs next spring but also get by the first round. The National Hockey League draft is set for June 26-27, free agency is set for July 1, and here’s what we’re hearing:
The Trade Front
We can tell you that Staios has been aggressive in working the phones in an attempt to make changes. The Senators have three priorities: a top-six forward to play with Tim Stutzle, a top-four right-shot defenceman to play with Thomas Chabot, and a backup goalie who can play 35 games behind top goalie Linus Ullmark.
The Ottawa Citizen reported on Monday that the name of defenceman Jordan Spence, a restricted free agent with the right to file for arbitration, has surfaced on the trade market. He’s not the only name we’ve heard. Winger Fabian Zetterlund, who has three years left on a contract that will pay him $4.275 million US for the next three seasons, is also out there. He finished with 17 goals and 33 points playing in mostly a fourth-line role last season, but the Senators need a bit more bang for their buck.
The Senators don’t have many prospects. Centre Stephen Halliday was viewed as a trade chip at the deadline in March, but he has since signed a two-year deal at $1.075 million to be in a fourth-line role with veteran Lars Eller expected to go to market. Teams call about defenceman Carter Yakemchuk, but there is a good chance he will start next season with the Senators.
The Possible Targets
Every team is looking for a top-six forward that can put the puck in the net and a top-four defenceman. Finding the right fit through a trade or free agency can be difficult. There aren’t a lot of top-six forwards available on July 1, and it’s the same story for a top-four defenceman. We believe the Senators have shown some level of interest in these forwards:
- Mason McTavish, C, Anaheim Ducks: A league executive told the Citizen that they believe that McTavish is a legitimate fit for the Senators. He finished with 17 goals and 41 points in 75 games with the Ducks last season, but landed in coach Joel Quenneville’s doghouse and was scratched for a playoff game.
- Jake DeBrusk, LW, Vancouver Canucks: The 29-year-old DeBrusk, who has spent the past two seasons with the Canucks, has five years left on a deal that pays him $5.5 million, but he’d be a good fit for the Senators. He can score on the power play and works hard.
- Jordan Kyrou, 28, St. Louis Blues: This is the guy the Senators likely need the most, but the belief is he won’t waive his no-move clause to come to Ottawa. Likely have to look elsewhere. The Seattle Kraken, Utah Mammoth, and New York Islanders are interested.
With the draft and free agency approaching, Staios must navigate a complex market to address these needs. The Senators are determined to take the next step toward contention, but it will require bold moves and perhaps a bit of luck.
