Senators Had Eyes on Rangers Star
Ottawa's front office made inquiries about New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafrenière before the restricted free agent situation was resolved, according to reporting from Blue Seat Blogs. The Senators were among the teams that kicked the tires on the young forward, signalling that general manager Steve Staios is actively hunting for top-end offensive talent to accelerate Ottawa's rebuild.
Lafrenière, the first overall pick in 2020, is coming off a breakout season with the Rangers where he posted 28 goals and 62 points — numbers that would make him an instant upgrade on Ottawa's wing.
Why Lafrenière Made Sense for Ottawa
The fit would have been compelling. Ottawa already boasts a young, high-skill core centred around Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, and Drake Batherson. Adding a left-shot power forward of Lafrenière's calibre would have given the Senators one of the most dangerous young lines in the Eastern Conference.
Salary cap space has been one of Ottawa's few advantages during the rebuild years, and the team has the room to absorb a significant contract. Lafrenière, still just 23, would have fit squarely within the Senators' championship window as it begins to open.
Rangers Hold On to Their Guy
Ultimately, Ottawa's interest didn't materialize into a deal. The Rangers elected to lock Lafrenière up long-term rather than let him walk or be moved — a sign of how highly New York values the Québec native. Reports suggest several other teams were also in contact, meaning Ottawa was competing against meaningful competition for his services.
For Senators fans, the news is a bit of a tease: the front office clearly has ambition, is making calls on elite players, and is positioning the team to make a leap. The fact that Ottawa was at the table for a player of Lafrenière's profile speaks to how seriously the league takes this team heading into next season.
What's Next for the Sens
With the Lafrenière door closed, Ottawa will need to look elsewhere to add that missing top-six winger. The trade market and free agency both offer options, and Staios has shown a willingness to be aggressive. Names on the wing with term remaining or pending free agency will likely continue to appear on Ottawa's radar through the summer.
Sens fans have been waiting a long time for the rebuild to pay off. Moves like this — reaching for a genuine star rather than settling — suggest the front office believes that moment is close.
Source: Blue Seat Blogs via Google News Ottawa
