Last week, the Ottawa Senators acquired goalie Samuel Ersson from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick. The Senators chose not to tender Ersson a qualifying offer, but Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch reported that it "would be surprising" if Ersson does not sign with the Senators.
With the Senators already doing business with the Maple Leafs this offseason, they should consider targeting more of their players this offseason. Two specific Maple Leafs players who would have the potential to be solid additions to the Senators' roster are forward Nick Robertson and defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Why Robertson & Ekman-Larsson could be good additions for the Senators
Questions about Robertson's future with the Maple Leafs have come up for a while now. The pending restricted free agent received a qualifying offer from Toronto, but it is still fair to wonder if this could be the summer that the Maple Leafs move him. If he is made available by Toronto, the Senators would be wise to kick tires on him.
If the Senators acquired Robertson, they would be bringing in a 24-year-old skilled forward who took a step in the right direction this past season. In 78 games last season with Toronto, he set new career highs with 16 goals, 16 assists, and 32 points. With numbers like these, he could be a strong fit in the Senators' middle six if acquired.
As for Ekman-Larsson, he would have the potential to be a good addition to the Senators' blueline. The veteran defenseman is coming off a strong season with Toronto, as he posted eight goals, 31 assists, and 39 points. With numbers like these, the 34-year-old defenseman could provide the Senators' blueline with some more offense.
Ekman-Larsson's ability to play both sides also adds to his appeal. Due to this, he could be a candidate to play top-four minutes for the Senators if he played on their right side. However, even if he played on their third pairing, he would still give Ottawa's blueline a bit of a boost as they look to be a real threat next season.
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