Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours from us here at Last Word On Hockey, as we delve into an interesting debate starting in the Canadian national capital city. So, let’s, first of all explain what the debate is even about for the Ottawa Senators. Then, we can talk about specific examples.
NHL Rumours and the Ottawa Senators Gameplan
Rumour: The rumour comes from Elliotte Friedman that the Sens are looking to make a move. But not just any move, a home run.
Analysis: This a fun time for the Ottawa Senators and the possibilities that await them. Sounds like a good time to be general manager Steve Staios.
Some of the names we have heard from the Sen followers, such as Coming in Hot podcast, have included Alex Tuch, Rasmus Andersson, and even Alexandre Texier. However, Texier is off the list as he signed with the Montreal Canadiens.
The main premise behind today’s Ottawa Senators rumours is the possibility that they are sitting fastball, and looking for the home run ball.
You know, those high-end guys. For teams willing to swing for the fences, we have seen past examples of it occurring. The Florida Panthers come to mind with names like Brad Marchand, Seth Jones, or Vladimir Tarasenko.
They’ll command big pay days. So, there is some juggling that needs to take place.
The Sens do have a very delicate balance of contract renewals. For this season and next, there is little to worry about. That’s why the debate exists for if this is their time to do it. The two main factors to weigh in this process is the fact that the salary cap is increasing and when Brady Tkachuk‘s contract is due for renewal. Brady will be a free agent following the conclusion of the 2027-28 season.
Moreover, there is a here and now perspective to be considered that the Senators fan base is aware of today. The Atlantic Division is up for the grabs, for anyone, but in particular the Ottawa Senators. But who are we to determine outcomes? So, sit back Sen fans, grab your favourite flavour of Doritos, and enjoy the next while.
It is interesting at this time in Ottawa, when Brady Tkachuk comes back, it is like a new player. Yes, it is cliche, but the team has learned how to win without him. Nobody wants to play against Tkachuk, and if everyone else is rolling, that effect is amplified, as you’re already losing, and then here comes a Tkachuk.
If nothing else, it is beneficial if the team that you watched over. The Shane Pinto recent contract signing kind of set the wheels in motion. Now, let’s consider an idea. We analyzed some of the most talked about forwards within trade rumours in 2025-26. Moreover, we considered those that we thought might be considered a home run. We explored productivity, recent and career wise. Also, we included their salaries in the ratings.
The players we considered were Alex Tuch, Andrei Svechnikov, Evgeni Malkin, Steven Stamkos, Dmitri Voronkov, Nazem Kadri, and Nicholas Robertson. To explain, we assigned the highest weights to a players’ three-year point-per-game average and points-per-60-minutes for 2025-26. Their Corsi-for percent relative even-strength in 2025-26, and 2025-26 salary amount at the next level of weight. Finally, their shooting percentage, ice time, and line xGoals% were rated lower. Based on our final rating, Alex Tuch was first, followed by Andrei Svechnikov. However, we will say that Tuch was far ahead. He plays on a strong line. Also, his Corsi rating is very good and he costs less than some of the other candidates. We will mention briefly, this analysis does emphasize recent stats. It doesn’t take into account intangibles. Those would include leadership, star value, and Stanley Cup pedigree, such as Kadri or Stamkos.
Now, these were just some of the possibilites. However, if the Sens want to land a big, top-six forward, there is a precedence. These names have been talked about and as the standings begin to sort themselves out, the teams with available players will narrow their focus. We also didn’t consider defence or goaltenders in this discussion. In contrast, the players compared fit the bill of hitting a home run. If the Sens and general manager Steve Staios believe their is a window of light shining, the doors to his trade office might just be open for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoff run.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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