{"id":407819,"date":"2026-01-14T20:34:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T20:34:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/407819\/"},"modified":"2026-01-14T20:34:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T20:34:14","slug":"senators-and-canucks-are-emerging-as-natural-trade-partners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/407819\/","title":{"rendered":"Senators and Canucks Are Emerging as Natural Trade Partners"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the trade deadline approaches, the Ottawa Senators are quietly shaping up as one of the more intriguing buyers \u2014 and the Vancouver Canucks may be one of their most logical trade partners.<\/p>\n

According to Bruce Garrioch\u2019s reporting<\/a>, league executives have repeatedly indicated that Ottawa is aggressively scouring the market for a right-shot defenseman, with an added interest in a top-six forward. That shopping list just happens to overlap neatly with the Canucks\u2019 roster \u2014 assuming Vancouver is willing to make some tough decisions.<\/p>\n

Why Ottawa Is Looking \u2014 and Why Vancouver Fits<\/p>\n

Ottawa wants to add another defenseman. Nick Jensen<\/a> has struggled to regain form following offseason hip surgery and has been scratched multiple times. Jordan Spence<\/a> hasn\u2019t solidified himself as a top-four option, while Nikolas Matinpalo<\/a> is better suited for depth duty. Simply put, the Senators need a right-shot defender who can play meaningful minutes alongside either Thomas Chabot<\/a> or Jake Sanderson<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For that reason, Garrioch suggests that Filip Hronek<\/a> fits.<\/p>\n

\"FilipFilip Hronek Canucks injury update<\/p>\n

Hronek would be a near-perfect on-ice fit for Ottawa. Garrioch writes:<\/p>\n

\u201cHe certainly would fit the bill to play with either Jake Sanderson or Thomas Chabot on the right side, but Hronek has a full no-move and is expected to be part of the solution. Some have mentioned Tyler Myers as a possibility, but we\u2019ve been told the Canucks won\u2019t trade him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hronek carries a $7.25 million cap hit through 2031\u201332 and holds a full no-movement clause. Vancouver also views him as a core piece \u2014 unless this turns into a deeper reset. If Hronek is available at all, Ottawa would need to make a \u201ccan\u2019t refuse\u201d type of offer.<\/p>\n

The Forward Connection Makes Even More Sense<\/p>\n

Up front, the fit is arguably cleaner.<\/p>\n

Senators head coach Travis Green<\/a> is a known fan of Conor Garland<\/a>, who brings speed, tenacity, and legitimate top-six production. Garland\u2019s $6 million cap hit is significant, but Ottawa has the flexibility to absorb it \u2014 especially if they believe he can stabilize their middle-six scoring long-term.<\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s Kiefer Sherwood<\/a>, who checks every box Ottawa covets: energy, physicality, penalty killing, and secondary offense. The issue is price. Vancouver has already turned down solid offers, and Sherwood\u2019s market is crowded, with more than 20 teams reportedly interested.<\/p>\n

Jake DeBrusk<\/a> is another name that aligns with Ottawa\u2019s needs. He brings playoff experience, net-front power-play scoring, and term \u2014 though that same contract length could give the Senators pause.<\/p>\n

The Big Question: How Far Is Vancouver Willing to Go?<\/p>\n

This potential partnership hinges on Vancouver\u2019s direction. If Jim Rutherford<\/a> and Patrik Allvin opt for a partial reset rather than a teardown, someone like Hronek likely stays put. But if the Canucks decide to cash in assets to reshape their core, Ottawa has both the need and the motivation to engage.<\/p>\n

The fact that Steve Staios<\/a> is still actively shopping suggests Ottawa believes it\u2019s better than its record. If that\u2019s the case, a trade with Vancouver \u2014 one that addresses Ottawa\u2019s right side and scoring depth \u2014 could be one of the more natural deadline fits to watch.<\/p>\n

Next: Marc-Andr\u00e9 Fleury Comments Add Fuel to Oilers and Canadiens Rumors<\/a><\/p>\n

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