Today’s edition of NHL Rumours, we look at the Ottawa Senators, and specifically, their forward group. Some of our thoughts are from the guys on the Coming In Hot Podcast, as Sens beat reporter Julian McKenzie of the Athletic stopped in for the pointed chit chat today. We also draw on some of the recent reporting of Senator insider Bruce Garrioch. So, let’s get sensational.
NHL and Ottawa Senators Rumours On Forward Ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline
Rumour: The rumour is will the Sens be buyers or sellers, and what would it look like either way.
Analysis: The timing is getting tight. Whatever the Sens do, and their current situation, takes lots of discussion. So, let’s get into it.
The Ottawa Senators enter trade deadline week as a team looking to tinker. They enter the week only five points behind the Boston Bruins for the final Eastern Conference Wild Card Stanley Cup Playoff spot. That would suggest that they would be buyers, because they are still in contention. Conversely, if they lose their two games prior to Friday, they might end up as sellers by the deadline. The problem in this uncertainty, is that allows teams with less uncertainty to get the jumpstart on making moves. We have already seen that in some sense as major moves have been made in the NHL this year. Look no further than the Artemi Panarin or Quinn Hughes trades, as prime examples.
Given the uncertainty in general manager Steve Staios’ true intentions, it almost makes sense for the Sens to stand pat. Or in other words, our initial thought, they will tinker.
One way to look at the situation is that the current Sens roster has gotten them where they are. Yes, they are out of the playoffs, but they are close. Furthermore, this is a roster that has been assembled that is very strong analytically. At 5v5, they are basically considered a top team, you know, from an analytic standpoint.
How the Sens Can Tinker
One idea is that the Sens want to add a top-six scorer. Well, the age-old adage goes something like, “Yes, and who isn’t?” But adding someone who can add offensive efficiency would theoretically bridge that gap between analytics and results. So, there is some metaphorical meat to the bone.
Moreover, what would the deal even look like? To get a tangible upgrade to the current forward group, they would likely need to move more assets than the GM is comfortable with moving. One player we often hear that is requested is Ridly Greig. That is definitely a player that Staios is not comfortable moving on from.
It is thought maybe Fabian Zetterlund could be used as trade bait. It would be in hopes of him being sold as something of a reclamation project. This would be one option. In contrast, with his lack of production, it would be debatable if he could attract a needle tipper as return.
In addition, teams would also quite likely want a prospect type of player. Stephen Halliday is that player from their system. But he is not someone they want to get rid of. He has done very well in Ottawa this year, following his call up. So, not unlike Greig, this is another piece that Staios would be reluctant to lose. In any sense, as you can tell, Ottawa doesn’t have an overabundance of pieces to use.
Some External Options
The idea for who to add, would be guys that can score efficiently. A couple of names discussed on Coming In Hot that could potentially fit the bill would be Jordan Eberle or Jake DeBrusk. Therefore, not necessarily big name commodities, but might just tip the needle in a desirable direction. They would also be examples that wouldn’t require a ton of assets in order to acquire.
However, one counterargument for adding a forward, is that David Perron is nearing a return from injury. He would be a great injection to the lineup, rather than needing to trade for one. This idea gives credibility to not being buyers or sellers, specifically.
One thing that is not disputable is that this trade deadline is almost here. The Sens are limited by their options, unless they are giving up a major piece. However, given how close this group is to success that does seem like something that is unlikely to occur. Hence, as we go along this week, and especially focusing on Ottawa’s forward group, as we did here, don’t expect anything too major from Staios and the Sens.
Main Photo Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Bruce Garrioch says teams are asking about Ridly Greig, but Steve Staios has no interest in moving him. #GoSensGo
Adds that he thinks Ottawa is most serious about MacKenzie Weegar, and they’ve kicked tires on guys like Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk.
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) February 27, 2026