Senators Sitting in the Playoff Mix, But a Few Key Additions Could Push Them Over the Top
With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, the Ottawa Senators find themselves in a solid position - firmly in the playoff picture. That’s no small feat in a crowded Eastern Conference. But while the foundation is there, and the pieces are largely in place, there’s still work to be done if this group wants to go from postseason hopeful to legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Let’s break down where the Senators could realistically upgrade and what kind of moves might elevate them into that next tier.
One More Top-Six Forward Could Make All the Difference
Ottawa’s top six already features some serious firepower. Tim Stützle continues to blossom into a dynamic playmaker, Brady Tkachuk brings the edge and scoring punch every contender needs, and Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens round out a dangerous core. Add in the veteran savvy of Claude Giroux and David Perron, plus the two-way stability of Shane Pinto down the middle, and you’ve got a forward group that can hang with just about anyone.
But if there’s one thing separating the Senators from the true elite, it’s the lack of one more high-end winger. A proven scorer who can slide into that top six, balance the lines, and take some of the pressure off the big names. That kind of addition doesn’t just make life easier for the stars - it gives Ottawa the kind of matchup-proof forward depth that wins playoff series.
So, who fits the bill?
Jason Robertson tops the wishlist. The Dallas Stars winger is a bona fide star - young, skilled, and already one of the league’s premier goal scorers.
He’d be a game-changer in Ottawa’s top six. Of course, a player of his caliber doesn’t come cheap, and with his contract set to expire, any acquiring team would be looking at a significant financial commitment.
Filip Forsberg is another intriguing name. He’s playoff-tested, a natural leader, and his style of play would fit seamlessly into Ottawa’s system. He brings that blend of skill and grit that’s tailor-made for postseason hockey.
Jordan Kyrou could also be a strong fit. At 26, he’s already a Stanley Cup champion and would likely thrive alongside a playmaker like Stützle. His contract aligns well with Ottawa’s current cap structure, and with recent rumblings that he might be open to a change of scenery, the timing could be right.
Andrei Svechnikov deserves a mention too. When healthy and in rhythm, he’s got 50-goal upside - especially if paired with the right linemates and given the green light offensively. He’s a high-ceiling swing, but one that could pay off in a big way.
If the Senators are looking for a lower-cost option, Kiefer Sherwood might be worth a look. He’s been on a bit of a heater lately, and while it’s fair to question whether that production is sustainable, even a 20-goal season from a second-line role would be a welcome boost. He wouldn’t carry the same price tag as the others, and that flexibility could be useful if Ottawa wants to preserve assets for a deeper playoff run.
Defensive Depth Is Solid - But One More Piece Would Help
On the back end, Ottawa’s blue line is in solid shape long-term. Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot, and Artem Zub are all locked in, and Jordan Spence has been a welcome addition. Nick Jensen has filled a key role as a steady veteran presence while Carter Yakemchuk continues his development in the AHL.
But with Chabot currently sidelined, the depth is being tested. Tyler Kleven has stepped into a bigger role, and while there’s plenty to like about his game, asking him to hold down top-four minutes consistently might be a bit premature. Ideally, Kleven stays on the third pair, where he can continue to develop without being overexposed.
That’s where a short-term veteran addition could make a lot of sense - someone who can slide into that second pair until Chabot returns, then shift into a depth role for the stretch run. Not a long-term solution, but a reliable body who can stabilize things in the meantime.
Nick Leddy might be the right fit. The veteran defenseman is in the final year of his deal and could be a classic rental.
He’s played in big games, knows how to manage minutes, and wouldn’t be fazed by the pressure of a playoff push. If the Sharks are willing to move him, the Senators could do a lot worse for a temporary fix.
Ottawa recently brought in Dennis Gilbert, but he’s likely more of a depth piece - someone who can shuttle between the NHL and AHL. What they really need is a player who can step into meaningful minutes without forcing the coaching staff to reshuffle the entire blue line.
The Window Is Open - Now’s the Time to Push
Make no mistake: the Senators are in their window. The core is young, talented, and under contract.
The pieces are in place. But winning in this league takes more than just talent - it takes timing, depth, and a front office willing to pull the trigger when the opportunity arises.
Whether it’s swinging big for a scorer like Robertson or Forsberg, or shoring up the blue line with a steady hand like Leddy, the message is clear: this team is close. Really close. And with the right additions, they could be more than just playoff participants - they could be a real threat to make noise in the spring.
The path forward is there. Now it’s up to the Senators to take it.