Senators Linked To Three Forward Trade Candidates
Per The Hockey News, with Ottawa still looking to add a pure sniper, Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins, and Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets are the forwards who could fit the bill.
GM Steve Staios has openly acknowledged the need, saying the Senators finished eighth in goals last season but lack a true sniper, adding, "We'd love to add that."
Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
Boeser is the most intriguing name given Vancouver's direction.
The Canucks are rebuilding under a new regime led by the Sedins, GM Ryan Johnson, and coach Manny Malhotra, and reports indicate ownership wants to significantly reduce payroll, which could make Boeser available.
The complication is his contract protection.
David Pagnotta: Re Brock Boeser: His name has started to circulate here in the last week or so...it's to the point where Vancouver...are willing to listen - Sekeres & Price (6/22)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 24, 2026
Boeser carries full no-movement protection, so he would have to waive it to come to Ottawa, and while he is pushing 30 and years away from a Cup run in Vancouver, that clause gives him complete control over any potential destination.
With goals hard to come by on the free-agent market this year, he would generate plenty of interest if he became available.
Pavel Zacha, Boston Bruins
Zacha is coming off a career-best 30-goal, 65-point season that helped the Bruins clinch a wild-card berth.
That production is exactly what Ottawa covets, but it also creates a dilemma, as removing Zacha would leave a hole in Boston's lineup.
I am told that as of now, the #NHLBruins are not trading Pavel Zacha.
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) June 27, 2026
Lots can happen as this draft and past week have shown us, but unless a 'knock-your-socks off trade' comes their way, they view him as a potential linemate of new Bruins winger JJ Peterka.@sickpodnhl
He represents a potential sell-high option, having scored his 30 goals on a lofty 22.9 percent shooting percentage, and the Bruins have reportedly been listening on offers.
Zacha is eligible for unrestricted free agency next July, and Elliotte Friedman also did report earlier this month that Boston was believed to be having extension talks with the 29-year-old, which could take him off the market entirely.
Kirill Marchenko, Columbus Blue Jackets
Marchenko is the highest-upside name of the trio, having scored at least 20 goals in all four of his NHL seasons, including 27 last year.
His contract is a major draw, carrying a $3.85 million cap hit through 2026-27 with the Blue Jackets controlling his rights as a restricted free agent afterward.
Kirill Marchenko mix
— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) July 21, 2026
~25 minute full video on the PDOcast Youtube channel: https://t.co/LMiRO8vxgS pic.twitter.com/wq4ClAY5DF
The obstacle is Columbus's stance.
Per Pierre LeBrun, Marchenko has not requested a trade, is willing to play the next two seasons, and GM Don Waddell has no intention of moving him, meaning it would take a major offer to change that.
Several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, have expressed interest, so Ottawa would face competition even if Waddell's position softens.
The Bottom Line
The Senators still have draft picks to deal from the Brady Tkachuk trade, giving them the assets to pursue a significant addition.
The question is whether Staios wants to dip into that war chest to pay anything more than money for the help, and each of the three targets comes with a catch, whether it is a no-trade clause, extension talks, or a team unwilling to sell.
A Tkachuk replacement does not need to arrive immediately, as Ottawa can see how William Eklund and Andre Burakovsky settle in first.
But given where the Senators are in their competitive cycle, adding a finisher feels imperative, and Boeser, Zacha, and Marchenko remain the names to watch.
