Three Trade Targets That Could Spark a Senators Turnaround
The Ottawa Senators came into this season with momentum and expectations. After snapping a seven-year playoff drought last year, it finally felt like this young core was ready to take the next step. But instead of building on that progress, they’ve stumbled hard out of the gate-and now find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
To make matters worse, the Senators are expected to lose their first-round pick in June as part of the league’s punishment stemming from the mishandled Evgenii Dadonov trade. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that may not have a shot at the postseason. But here’s the twist: the season isn’t lost yet.
Despite their position in the standings, the Senators are just 10 points out of a playoff spot. They rank in the top half of the league in goals scored, shots per game, and faceoff win percentage.
That’s not the profile of a team that should be selling at the deadline. If anything, this is a team that could benefit from a smart, well-timed move or two-targeting players who can complement what’s already working and shore up the areas that clearly aren’t.
Here are three trade targets who could give Ottawa the jolt it needs to turn things around.
1. Blake Coleman - Calgary Flames
Let’s start with the penalty kill-because it’s been brutal. The Senators are posting a .791 save percentage while shorthanded, the worst not just this season, but the worst since the NHL began tracking the stat in 1999-00. That’s not just a problem; it’s a liability that’s costing them games.
Yes, head coach Travis Green has already made a move, shifting PK responsibilities from Nolan Baumgartner to Mike Yeo. But a coaching tweak alone may not be enough. This is where a player like Blake Coleman could make a real difference.
Coleman’s having a quietly strong season in Calgary, with 13 goals and 21 points through 44 games. He’s been a staple in all situations, averaging over a minute on the power play and more than two minutes per game on the penalty kill.
That PK time is second among Flames forwards-and Calgary’s kill ranks third league-wide. So yes, Coleman knows how to get it done when down a man.
He also brings the kind of grit that fits right into Ottawa’s identity-especially under captain Brady Tkachuk. Coleman’s the kind of player who can play anywhere in the lineup, win puck battles, and tilt the ice with his energy.
He’s under contract for another season at $4.9 million, which aligns with Ottawa’s current cap structure and competitive window. The only caveat: he’s currently on injured reserve, but reports suggest he’s close to returning.
Calgary, meanwhile, looks like a team heading into a retool after moving Rasmus Andersson. That means Coleman could be available-for the right price.
2. Brandon Carlo - Toronto Maple Leafs
Ottawa’s blue line has had its moments, but it’s clear that they’re missing a stabilizing presence on the right side. Last season, Nick Jensen filled that role admirably-eating up tough minutes, blocking shots, and chipping in offensively. But this year, his play has dipped, and younger blueliners like Jordan Spence, Tyler Kleven, and Nikolas Matinpalo have started to pass him on the depth chart.
Enter Brandon Carlo.
The 6-foot-5, right-shot defenseman was acquired by Toronto from Boston last season, but things haven’t exactly clicked in his new home. Through 50 games, he’s yet to score and has just seven assists. That’s a far cry from his reputation in Boston, where he was a reliable shutdown defender and one of the league’s top shot blockers.
Injuries have certainly played a role in his struggles, but a change of scenery could be just what he needs. He brings size, physicality, and a defensive mindset-exactly what Ottawa could use on their second pair. At $4.1 million, his cap hit is manageable, and with Toronto reportedly under pressure to make moves at the deadline, Carlo could be a realistic target.
If the Senators want to fix their penalty kill and add some muscle on the back end, Carlo checks a lot of boxes.
3. Lukas Reichel - Vancouver Canucks
Now let’s talk about the top line-specifically, the revolving door on Tim Stützle’s left wing.
Stützle has been doing everything he can to drive offense, but he hasn’t had a consistent partner on his flank. That’s not ideal when you’re trying to build chemistry and maximize your top center’s impact. The Senators have been exploring options for months, but with less than $3 million in cap space, the big-ticket names are likely out of reach.
That’s where a creative swing like Lukas Reichel comes into play.
Reichel has bounced between the NHL and AHL this season, splitting 19 games between the Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks and recording just two goals and five points. On paper, that’s not top-line production. But context matters.
Reichel is only 23 and was once seen as a breakout candidate after being taken 17th overall in 2020. He hasn’t been able to find his footing in the NHL, but he’s also been stuck in bottom-six roles on teams that haven’t exactly been stable.
What stands out? His history with Stützle.
The two looked strong together at the 2020 World Juniors, and a German reunion might be exactly what Reichel needs to unlock his potential.
At a $1.2 million cap hit, he’s a low-risk, high-upside gamble-and one that fits Ottawa’s current financial picture.
Why Not a Goalie?
If you’ve been following the Senators this season, you know the goaltending has been a major issue. The team ranks dead last in goals against above expected (25.7) and carries a rough .887 save percentage. Linus Ullmark hasn’t provided the stability they hoped for, and the young tandem of Leevi Meriläinen and Mads Søgaard hasn’t looked ready for prime time.
So why not go get another goalie?
Because at this point, it’s clear that goaltending is a symptom-not the root cause. Ottawa’s issues in net have been a recurring theme for years, and no matter who’s in the crease, the results haven’t changed. That suggests deeper structural problems-whether it’s defensive coverage, coaching, or confidence-that need to be addressed before throwing another name into the mix.
Until those issues are resolved, adding another goalie might just be putting a Band-Aid on a bullet hole.
The Bottom Line
This season hasn’t gone according to plan for the Senators-but that doesn’t mean it’s time to tear things down. With the offense clicking and a core that’s still growing, there’s a real opportunity here to make a push.
The key? Targeting players who can help right now without mortgaging the future.
Coleman, Carlo, and Reichel each bring something unique to the table-whether it’s penalty-kill prowess, defensive grit, or top-line potential. And with the right moves, Ottawa could still turn this thing around and make a serious run at the postseason.
They don’t need a blockbuster. They need the right pieces.