Ottawa Senators president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios remains confident in the team's direction after a week of significant roster changes, including the trade of captain Brady Tkachuk. Staios, who took the job knowing the road to a Stanley Cup would have twists and turns, believes the Senators are mapping out a successful course.
Key Acquisitions and Trades
During the week leading up to the NHL draft, Staios traded Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, acquired winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks, goaltender Samuel Ersson from the Philadelphia Flyers, and forward Andre Burakovsky from the Chicago Blackhawks. Ersson was acquired from the Maple Leafs on June 26, 2026, for a fifth-round pick. Staios now turns his attention to free agency on Wednesday.
Emulating the Hurricanes
The NHL is often a copycat league, and Staios sees similarities between the Senators and the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. “We played them in the first round, and I know we didn't get a win in that series, and there were a number of factors to that, but I see some similarities, I do,” Staios said after the draft. “They've done a phenomenal job there, like, right, right, right, through on their identity and how they play, and the way they've built that, so they're certainly a very good team to look at.”
The Hurricanes succeed with a relentless, consistent style, and Staios believes the Senators are developing a similar identity. “I feel like we have that identity to a certain degree as well, and can we continue to build off of that?” he said. “We've continued to get better as a team. The way Travis has coached this group, the players that we've brought in, they're all bought in, and they're a hungry and committed group, and we're going to continue to take those steps.”
Defensive Improvements and Roster Stability
The Senators improved defensively in the second half of last season, securing a playoff spot. Staios is confident that with the changes made, Ottawa will be strong at both ends of the ice. The core remains intact, including Tim Stutzle, Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot, Shane Pinto, Ridly Greig, Drake Batherson, Artem Zub, Tyler Kleven, and top goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Impact of Tkachuk Trade and New Additions
Staios acknowledged that trading Tkachuk was necessary after the captain requested a trade, and he believes the return was the best possible under the circumstances. “I'm not quite sure on the impact, as it is, like I've seen that team, that core play, there's been a change, (and they'll see) sort of sets in,” Staios said. “Does it change the timeline (for a Cup)? Quite possibly, but if there are other things that I could do, maybe it accelerates it.”
The Senators hope that Burakovsky, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, can rediscover his form in Ottawa. Ersson, who struggled in Philadelphia, is expected to serve as the backup goaltender, with the fresh start potentially benefiting his performance.
