Welcome to a Saturday evening Ottawa Senators rumours, perhaps to warm you up for NHL Headlines by Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet‘s Hockey Night in Canada in a couple hours time. At the intermission of today’s Anaheim Duck and Sen game, Claire Hanna met with Sens general manager Steve Staios. Let’s discuss the discussion.

Ottawa Senators and NHL Rumours Chatting with GM Steve Staios

Rumour: Claire Hanna was asking Staios a bunch of questions. The two main topics being the review of the trade deadline and the upcoming gm meetings beginning tomorrow.

Analysis: Staios isn’t someone to show his cards. He’s calm and calculated, and he has stayed consistent in his messaging and objectives.

 

Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire

The session started with Hanna asking Staios to comment on the recent decision to reverse the Sens trade penalty. Ottawa had previously been unable to use their 2024, 2025, or 2026 first-round draft pick. It was punishment for the previous GM Pierre Dorion’s mistake to not inform the Vegas Golden Knights of a clause in Evgenii Dadonov‘s contract when the Sens traded him. The main argument that Steve was a part of, but likely Michael Andlauer led, they were making to the NHL in hopes of reversing the initial ruling, was that previous regime had been (largely) removed by the organization. Staios summarized it as “It’s important, it’s valuable to the team, and to the organization.” And was grateful for Andlauer’s effort in the process.

Staios reflecting on the matter, sees it as a boost of confidence. It made him feel as though the league respects that Ottawa conducts its business the right way. Of course you know that is important, big picture.

Having the newsy stuff out of the way, they could dig into the main topic for the discussion. Hanna was quick to bring up the topic of the recently passed 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. The general messaging the media has been reporting is that Sens did try on many different proposals. There does seem to be the sentiment that teams kept asking for Ridly Greig or Carter Yakemchuk, who the Sens didn’t feel would return enough of an upgrade on their current roster, at this time. One point to consider is the group’s collective belief in the defensive group as-is. Conversely, it is concerning that today’s game featured no Jake Sanderson or Nick Jensen, both out due to injury. You really see the group tested, but they do seem to perform well, when needing to step up.

Senators general manager Steve Staios joins @clahanna to discuss the NHL modifying Ottawa’s punishment of a loss of a first-round pick, how he approached the trade deadline this year, the No. 1 priority for the Sens in the offseason, and more: https://t.co/o5mwQmaPrM pic.twitter.com/lwmdaHS6U1

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) March 14, 2026

The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline for the Sens from Staios’ Eyes

For Sen fans, even if it felt like a quiet deadline, they picked up Warren Foegele. The swap of David Perron out, and bringing Foegele in, wasn’t unlike the Jakob Chychrun for Nick Jensen trade, or the Joshua Norris for Dylan Cozens exchange. They just felt that it was an upgrade, for the team, at that time. For Foegele specifically, he can fill many roles and has lots of speed, never a bad combo.

The point is that the Sens felt that they were productive at the deadline. It might be a sense of laying the groundwork for the foundation of the offseason that will want to see improvements in the club. Just like any club would want to see improvements. Staios kept going with the phrase “in it.” He felt as though his team was in it, as in the Stanley Cup Playoff picture, and approaching the deadline as buyers, essentially. Therefore, Staios felt as though he had approached the deadline aggressively.

“(Getting the 2026 1st rd pick back) is valuable to the team and to the organization. And I’m just very grateful for Michael Andlauer and his passion. This was his work.” ~ Steve Staios on TSN

— Graeme Nichols (@GraemeNichols) March 14, 2026

Ultimately, this could lead to a lot in the offseason, but it could also lead to more of the same. Just small adjustments, aimed at making one specific area better. It does seem that their number-one priority would be like upgrading their defence. However, as Staios does go back to, he does suggest liking his group. That is something head coach Travis Green seems to share a similar message on, at times.

Even if the Sens feel they need an upgrade defensively, they have the option of doing internally. Carter Yakemchuk will likely see NHL time next season, and he projects to become a top-four defenceman, at least. Now, it is difficult to accelerate anyone’s progress, but it is one option.

What About that Save Percentage?

The next topic Claire Hanna brought up was the goaltending. It has been source of problems for the Sens in 2025-26. Staios definitely shared a similar message, as it is hard to avoid the topic. Their save percentage had been historically bad for so long, it was impossible to ignore. It is why they signed a veteran, out of basically retirement, James Reimer. Moreover, Staios suggested that Linus Ullmark knows to understand the big picture. Staios said of Ullmark that “hasn’t played to his expectations.”

Staios is quick to pick up for his goaltender. He does think that Ullmark fits well with the group, and his play is representative of the club’s play, as a whole. He continued “We believe in him and believe he is going to turn it around.”

A lot of this has been a similar message through the process. Staios knows his team could improve, after all, they are living and dying on every available two points in the standings. He went on to say, “I really like our team. I like our depth.” Again, kind of pointing at the fact that a lot of the Sens improvements will be based on internal growth and development. Believing in yourself, and the group you have assembled, and the process, can be a successful approach. Yes, the Sens would love to land a big piece like they sounded like they tried to land MacKenzie Weegar around the deadline. But not at the expense that teams would naturally target. Plus, the lack of a 2026 first rounder didn’t help.

So, Staios believes in his group. It will be another calculated summer, regardless of how 2025-26 ends up. The Sens group still has a lot of potential to fulfill, and everyone hopes the time is now.

Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images

Goaltending Struggles Are Sinking the Ottawa Senators Season

Staios tells @clahanna about the deadline: “There just wasn’t a lot that shook loose at the deadline.” Doesn’t rule out Carter Yakemchuk making the team next year #Sens

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) March 14, 2026