It’s never easy for a team to trade its captain and franchise leader. But for the Ottawa Senators, Sunday’s trade could very well be Steve Staios’ best as GM in the Nation’s Capital.
The Senators were right to move on from Brady Tkachuk when they did. Based solely on the end-of-season commentary, it was clear that Tkachuk has made up his mind to leave. While his politically correct commentary momentarily diffused the situation, everyone knew it was a matter of time before he jumped ship.
Most likely, Tkachuk’s camp and the Senators talked about the situation almost immediately after Ottawa’s season ended. As such, the wheels on this deal had been in motion for quite some time.
This offseason, however, had to be the one in which the Senators finally moved on from Brady Tkachuk. His value was never going to be higher, particularly with two years left on his current deal.
Had Ottawa attempted to wait out this season, injuries, declining production, or just checking out could have dampened Tkachuk’s value.
By striking a deal now, the Senators get maximum value. The two first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft give the Sens three first-rounders. That’s more than enough ammo to make up for Tkachuk’s departure.
As a matter of fact, Ottawa can even draft an NHL-ready winger who could eventually take Tkachuk’s place in the lineup.
There’s another crucial element that makes this deal well-timed by Ottawa.
Senators now have cap space to go shopping
Even with a bit of a thin free agent market, the Senators have plenty of cap space to go shopping. It’s worth pointing out that the Sens aren’t replacing 30 or 40 goals. They’ll only need to replace 22 goals. That’s something very doable.
While the Sens won’t likely land someone like Alex Tuch, the Senators can either trade one of the picks for a legit top-six scorer or perhaps make up the difference by bringing in a couple of additional forwards.
If anything, the Senators could have an in-house option in Arthur Kaliyev. Kaliyev put up 40 goals in the AHL this past season and could be in line to earn a real shot at the NHL next season.
Senators fans, instead of being upset about this move, should be glad that Steve Staios got what he did for Tkachuk when he did.
Even if that 2029 first-round pick seems like it’s eons away, bear something in mind: The Panthers are seeing their competitive window closing. They stand to lose Sergei Bobrovsky this offseason. The core is older and more injury-prone. Brady Tkachuk is on the decline, and the Panthers don’t have any significant prospects that could step up and take over.
Essentially, that 2029 first-rounder could be a top-10 pick by the time the Sens are ready to use it.
This trade could be the gift that keeps on giving for the Ottawa Senators.
Add us as a preferred source on Google