Ottawa, ON - The Ottawa Senators are signalling a commitment to competitiveness following the blockbuster trade of captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. General Manager Steve Staios made it clear Monday that the team has no intention of taking a step back, despite the significant move.
"I don't want anybody to be misled," Staios stated during a press conference. "I think you see the transaction, the picks coming back, you wonder which direction the team is going. I want to be clear: I don't intend on taking a step back with this group." The Senators acquired Nos. 9 and 25 picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick in exchange for Tkachuk.
Staios emphasized that the Senators have made the playoffs in consecutive seasons and possess a core group of committed players. He confirmed that the team is already receiving robust interest in the acquired draft capital, suggesting the picks are in play to acquire immediate impact players. "I feel like the draft capital and assets that we return opens the door for many different possibilities," Staios added. The Senators' management, under owner Michael Andlauer, remains focused on building a team that can contend for the Stanley Cup.
The trade itself stemmed from Tkachuk requesting to be traded after the Senators' season concluded. While Staios expressed he would have preferred to see Tkachuk's tenure continue, he acknowledged that the situation evolved. The team is now shifting focus to leveraging the acquired assets to strengthen the roster and build upon their recent playoff appearances.
