Ottawa's GM Is in Deal-Making Mode
Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios is signalling he's ready to wheel and deal as the NHL Draft approaches, with the organization actively exploring trade possibilities that could reshape the team's near-term future.
Staios holds two first-round picks heading into the draft — the No. 32 overall selection and the No. 25 pick obtained from the Florida Panthers. While the No. 32 pick is off the table, the No. 25 selection is very much in play at the right price.
The Pick Package Florida Handed Over
The No. 25 pick was part of the return Ottawa received from Florida, and it represents meaningful currency in a draft that's considered relatively deep up front. For a team looking to accelerate its rebuild or add a specific type of player, packaging that pick with other assets could open doors to impact-level trades.
Staios has been methodical since taking over as GM, and his willingness to engage in draft-day discussions suggests confidence that the Senators' prospect pipeline is healthy enough to absorb trading away a pick without derailing the rebuild.
What Ottawa Might Be Looking For
The Senators have been linked to various targets as they look to add veteran experience and secondary scoring depth around their young core of Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, and Drake Batherson. Draft day is often when teams make the bold moves they couldn't pull off during the regular season — a compressed timeline and the presence of every GM in one room creates urgency and opportunity.
A pick at No. 25 is valuable enough to attract legitimate NHL talent in return, whether that's a middle-six forward, a defensive piece, or salary cap flexibility.
Rebuilding With Purpose
Ottawa has been one of the more active franchises in recent draft cycles, and Staios has shown he's not afraid to be aggressive when the right deal presents itself. The Senators qualified for the playoffs this past season, a sign that the rebuild is maturing — and that Staios may feel the window to compete is arriving sooner rather than later.
For Sens fans, draft day is shaping up to be must-watch television. Whether Ottawa uses both picks, trades one, or packages assets for a splash move, Staios has made clear he's not standing pat.
Stay tuned to ottown.ca for updates as the NHL Draft unfolds.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
