In a bold move during the 2026 NHL Draft, the Ottawa Senators shook things up with a trade that sent Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. In return, they snagged the ninth-overall pick, which they used to acquire William Eklund and Kasper Halttunen from the San Jose Sharks. This left the Senators with two first-round selections, which they used to draft Jonas Lagerberg Hoen and Jaxon Cover-two forwards who have already sparked plenty of conversation among fans and analysts alike.
Let's dive into what these new additions mean for the Senators and why their potential could be a game-changer for the franchise.
25th Pick - Jonas Lagerberg Hoen
Jonas Lagerberg Hoen was arguably the most unexpected pick of the first round. The Senators took a leap of faith on this Swedish forward, who was projected by many to be a third-round selection.
Central Scouting ranked him 31st among international skaters, while other sources like Elite Prospects and McKeen’s had him even lower. But the Senators saw something others might have missed.
Peter Baracchini from The Hockey Writers had a more optimistic view, ranking him 45th and highlighting his potential as a high-scoring power forward. If Lagerberg Hoen can build on his strengths-like his goal-scoring ability and powerful shot-he could become a valuable middle-six contributor. Dobber Prospects also saw promise, noting his pace and power, which could translate into effective playmaking and scoring.
However, his journey hasn't been without hurdles. An ACL injury limited him to just 11 games last season, but in that short span, he showcased his knack for finding the net with nine goals and 16 points.
His style has drawn comparisons to 2025 first-rounder Justin Carbonneau, known for his goal-scoring prowess. While his lack of recent playing time makes him a risky pick, the Senators are banking on his high ceiling and the potential to become a top-six sniper.
32nd Pick - Jaxon Cover
With their second pick, the Senators selected Jaxon Cover, a player whose story is as compelling as his on-ice potential. Born in the Cayman Islands, Cover's journey to ice hockey began with roller hockey before transitioning to the ice at age 12 in Canada.
His rapid development saw him leading the St. Andrew’s College U16 team in scoring and later becoming a standout for the London Knights in the OHL.
Cover's rise has been meteoric, and while scouts had mixed opinions on his first-round potential, there's no denying his offensive upside. His energy and work ethic were on full display during the OHL Playoffs, making him a player to watch. Although his game still requires refinement, particularly in skating and decision-making, his trajectory suggests significant room for growth.
Senators' Strategic Gamble
The Senators' draft strategy is a testament to their long-term vision. They aren't in a rush to bring these players into the NHL, which allows both Lagerberg Hoen and Cover the time to develop and refine their skills. This approach could pay off big, as both players possess the potential to become impactful top-six forwards.
Ottawa's current roster is solid, giving them the luxury to invest in these high-upside prospects. It's a strategic gamble, but if Lagerberg Hoen and Cover reach their potential, the Senators could have pulled off one of the biggest heists of the 2026 Draft. This draft class might just be the foundation for Ottawa's future success, setting the stage for a new era of Senators hockey.
In Other News...
Zach Werenski Trade Buzz Just Put Blue Jackets Fans On Edge
The latest round of trade chatter has put an old Ottawa headache back in the spotlight, even if the Senators are only watching from the sidelines. Brady Tkachuks future has been a topic before, and the recent reporting around his contract situation only adds another layer to a summer in which big names and big decisions keep colliding across the league.
There is also a familiar Eastern Conference edge to the noise, with Zach Werenskis name now part of the conversation as multiple teams circle and no-move clauses come into play. For Ottawa fans, it is the kind of league-wide drama that can still matter close to home, because every star who becomes available changes the market around them and raises the stakes for the Senators own long-term plans. [Read more 🡒]
Staios Just Put Ottawas Entire Rebuild On The Line
Kyle Staios has already put a very different stamp on Ottawas rebuild, reshaping the roster in a way that signals urgency as much as patience. The Senators president of hockey operations and general manager has added William Eklund, Samuel Ersson and Andre Burakovsky while talking up the teams defensive progress and the identity Travis has been trying to build behind the bench.
Burakovsky stands out as the kind of move Ottawa does not make lightly, a calculated swing on a player the club studied closely because of his experience and past success. Even with that work done and the roster clearly changed, the bigger question hanging over the Senators is how much the group has really shifted in the wake of losing Brady Tkachuk, and whether the next step forward still looks the same from here. [Read more 🡒]
Senators Face A Massive Artem Zub Decision This Offseason
Artem Zubs value to Ottawa showed up all season, from the steady minutes he logged to the way he and Jake Sanderson quietly formed one of the leagues most effective defensive pairs. Zub also delivered the most productive year of his career in 81 games, giving the Senators a right-shot defender who brought structure at even strength and enough offense to make his role even more important heading into the offseason.
Now comes the hard part for the Senators, who are expected to open talks on a new deal that could run four or five years. The number attached to that conversation is not small, with the sides likely circling a range in the neighborhood of $6 million to $6.5 million per season, a price that reflects both Zubs importance and the reality that Ottawa has to decide how much it wants to invest in keeping that pairing intact for the long haul. [Read more 🡒]