Ottawa Senators president and general manager Steve Staios is fielding heavy interest in the two first-round draft picks acquired from the Florida Panthers in the Brady Tkachuk trade. Staios made it clear the team has no intention of regressing.
Staios confirms active trade discussions
Speaking to the Ottawa Citizen on Monday, Staios noted his phone has been ringing constantly since the deal was completed Sunday night. The Senators received three first-round picks from the Panthers, including the No. 9 and No. 25 selections in Friday's NHL draft.
“It’s the first time I’ve been in the situation,” Staios said, before his phone rang. “How’s that for timing? I won’t tell you who it is. … It’s been robust since the deal happened. This team is moving in the right direction. I have no intention of this team taking a step back. We’re active and we’re open (for discussion).”
The Senators are not permitted to trade the No. 32 pick granted by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after the March deadline, but the No. 9 and No. 25 selections are readily available as trade chips.
Targeting a top-six forward and more
Both picks are being used to try to bring in a top-six forward, according to league sources. Staios acknowledged the team is not better without Tkachuk but aims to use the draft capital to add immediate help after making the playoffs two straight years.
The Senators still boast a strong core with centre Tim Stutzle, Jake Sanderson, Dylan Cozens, Thomas Chabot, Shane Pinto, Ridly Greig, and Drake Batherson. However, the priority is a top-six winger, as the situation looks grim for Stutzle.
League circles believe the Senators will also target a top-four defenceman. Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish is at the top of the list. Teams including the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers have also inquired about McTavish.
Mason McTavish emerges as prime target
McTavish, who has five years left on a deal paying $7 million U.S. per season through 2030-31, is linked to the Senators because his father, Dale, was one of Staios's first hires in a pro scouting role in 2023. The Senators now possess a valuable first-round pick the Ducks want in return, potentially the No. 9 or No. 25 selection along with a prospect.
McTavish has recorded 77 goals and 181 assists in 304 NHL games with the Ducks. He reportedly does not fit Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville's system, making a fresh start likely. McTavish spends his off-season in Ottawa and grew up in the area.
A league executive also indicated the Senators have explored a trade for New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafrenière, the No. 1 overall pick in 2020. Lafrenière was selected the same year the Senators took Stutzle at No. 3, Sanderson at No. 5, and Greig at No. 28.
