As the trade deadline approaches, the Ottawa Senators are quietly emerging as one of the most intriguing buyers – and the Vancouver Canucks may be one of their most logical trade partners.
According to Bruce Garrioch’s reportingleague officials have repeatedly indicated that Ottawa is aggressively searching the market for a defenseman with the right shot, with an added interest in a top-six forward. That shopping list happens to overlap neatly with the Canucks’ roster — assuming Vancouver is willing to make some tough decisions.
Why Ottawa is watching – and why Vancouver is fitting
Ottawa is looking to add another defenseman. Nick Jensen has struggled to regain his form after offseason hip surgery and has been scratched several times. Jordan Spence has not yet proven himself as a top-four option, while Nikolas Matinpalo is better suited for deep work. Simply put, the Senators need a right-shot defenseman who can play meaningful minutes alongside Thomas Chabot or Jake Sanderson.
For that reason, Garrioch suggests Filip Hronek fits.
Hronek would be a near-perfect on-ice fit for Ottawa. Garrioch writes:
“He would certainly be a good fit to play with Jake Sanderson or Thomas Chabot on the right side, but Hronek is a complete no-move and is expected to be part of the solution. Some have mentioned Tyler Myers as a possibility, but we’re told the Canucks don’t want to trade him.”
Hronek is capped at $7.25 million through 2031-2032 and has a full no-movement clause. Vancouver also views him as a core piece – unless this results in a deeper reset. If Hronek is available at all, Ottawa would have to make a “can’t refuse” type offer.
The forward connection makes even more sense
Up front, the fit is noticeably cleaner.
Senators head coach Travis Green is a noted fan of Conor Garland, who brings speed, tenacity and legitimate top-six production. Garland’s cap hit of $6 million is significant, but Ottawa has the flexibility to absorb it — especially if they think he can stabilize their mid-six rating in the long run.
Then there’s Kiefer Sherwood, who checks every box Ottawa craves: energy, physicality, penalty kills and secondary offense. The problem is the price. Vancouver has already rejected solid offers and Sherwood’s market is busy, with more than 20 teams reportedly interested.
Jake DeBrusk is another name that fits Ottawa’s needs. He brings playoff experience, power-play scoring in net and tenure, though that same contract length could give the Senators pause.
The big question: how far does Vancouver want to go?
This potential partnership depends on Vancouver’s direction. If Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin opt for a partial reset instead of a teardown, someone like Hronek will likely stay put. But if the Canucks decide to cash in on assets to reshape their core, Ottawa has both the need and the motivation to get involved.
The fact that Steve Staios is still actively shopping suggests Ottawa believes it is better than his record. If that’s the case, a trade with Vancouver — one that addresses Ottawa’s right side and scoring depth — could be one of the more natural deadlines to look at.
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