NHL Rumors: Senators Still Buying At Trade Deadline
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen reported that general manager Steve Staios would prefer to add rather than subtract once the Olympic break ends, even after Ottawa chose the status quo before the freeze.
The target list is not bargain bin depth either, with league executives telling Garrioch the Senators have been calling about a top-six winger and a top-four right-shot defenceman.
Senators Trade Deadline Plan Still Points to Buying
Ottawa believes the team is closer than the standings make it look, and a few upgrades could give them a real push with roughly 25 games left after the break.
Bruce Garrioch: League executives have told the Ottawa Citizen that the Senators have been searching the market for a right-shot defenceman who can play in the top four and a top-six winger - Ottawa Citizen (2/4)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) February 10, 2026
The Senators have had too many nights that follow the same script: strong stretches of play, not enough finishing, and not enough saves, but the front office is still betting the process is good enough to keep swinging.
Staios has been working the phones and the Olympic window becomes the time to measure the market and see which sellers are actually willing to move impact pieces before the March 6 trade deadline.
Steve Staios Hunting a Winger and Right Shot Defenceman
The hardest part is that Ottawa is shopping for the two positions everyone wants, and the list of sellers is short, which is why prices are climbing.
Garrioch has written that the Senators have looked at right-side help that can play in the top four, and one name that has come up is Calgary Flames defenceman MacKenzie Weegar, a player they've eyed for years, and who would stabilize minutes and matchups but would not come cheap.
The Ottawa Senators have pursued MacKenzie Weegar as a trade option from Calgary "for years," per @TheFourthPeriod. pic.twitter.com/0LL2xx1mqp
— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) February 8, 2026
Up front, the Senators also want more punch in the top nine, especially with injuries and the need to keep pace in a tight wild-card race, but goaltending limits the clean fixes.
With Linus Ullmark signed long-term and a few clear upgrade paths in net, the Senators’ most realistic move is to improve the skater group and try to defend and score their way into the playoffs.
Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
