As the NHL trade deadline looms on March 6, the Edmonton Oilers are sharpening their focus-and it’s no secret what they’re after. A top-nine forward is priority number one, and GM Stan Bowman is playing the long game, waiting for more sellers to emerge before making his move.
While names from struggling teams have been floated in trade chatter, one club that’s flown under the radar is the Ottawa Senators. Sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, Ottawa hasn’t been front and center in trade discussions. But with playoff odds hovering around 21%, according to MoneyPuck, GM Steve Staios may soon have to face the reality of selling off some assets.
If that happens, there are three Senators forwards who could make a lot of sense for Edmonton. Let’s break them down and look at how each player could fit into the Oilers’ playoff puzzle.
Drake Batherson: The Impact Option with Term
If the Oilers want to make a splash, Drake Batherson is the name to watch. He’s not a rental, and that’s part of what makes him so appealing.
With a cap hit of $4.975 million through next season, Batherson brings real value in a rising cap environment. For Edmonton, who could potentially move Andrew Mangiapane’s $3.6 million and another smaller deal to make room, the math works.
On the ice, Batherson checks a lot of boxes. He’s a right-shot winger-something the Oilers don’t have in abundance-and he brings a blend of skill and physicality. He’s consistently put up 25-goal, 60-point seasons in Ottawa, and you can only imagine how those numbers could jump playing alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
The catch? He won’t come cheap.
Staios isn’t actively shopping Batherson, and it would likely take a first-round pick plus additional assets to get a deal done. But if Edmonton is going to swing big, this is the kind of move that could make a real difference-not just for this year, but beyond.
Fabian Zetterlund: A High-Upside Swing
Another intriguing name is Fabian Zetterlund. Acquired by Ottawa in last year’s deadline deal with San Jose, Zetterlund hasn’t quite settled in with the Senators. Still, there’s a lot to like here, especially for a team like Edmonton looking for cost-effective depth.
Zetterlund is under contract for three more seasons at a $4.275 million AAV, giving the Oilers a chance to lock in a versatile forward for multiple playoff runs. He’s a right-handed shot with offensive upside and a gritty edge-two traits that could help balance out Edmonton’s forward group.
The transition in Ottawa hasn’t been seamless, but that doesn’t mean the Senators are eager to move him. Still, if Bowman makes a strong enough offer, Staios might be tempted. Zetterlund could slot in anywhere in the top nine and give the Oilers another dimension heading into the postseason.
Claude Giroux: The Veteran Rental
Then there’s the wild card: Claude Giroux. At 38, he’s still producing and doing it on a bargain $2 million salary. If Ottawa decides to move him, there’s no doubt contenders across the league would be lining up.
The big question is whether Giroux would waive his full no-movement clause. He left Philadelphia in search of a Stanley Cup, and while he’s yet to make a deep playoff run since, that hunger to win likely hasn’t faded. Edmonton was reportedly interested in him back in 2022, and the fit still makes sense.
As a rental, Giroux would come at a lower cost than Batherson or Zetterlund. That makes him arguably the most realistic option if the Oilers want to bolster their top nine without parting with premium assets. He brings leadership, playoff experience, and the kind of savvy that can come in handy in tight postseason games.
Bottom Line:
The Oilers are in a prime position to make a meaningful addition up front. Whether they swing big with Batherson, take a calculated shot on Zetterlund, or go the rental route with Giroux, the key will be finding a player who not only fits stylistically but also elevates their chances of a deep playoff run.
With the deadline just over a month away, Bowman has time-but not forever. The right move could be the difference between another early exit and a legitimate shot at the Cup.