{"id":431308,"date":"2026-01-27T21:50:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T21:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/431308\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T21:50:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T21:50:15","slug":"could-senators-be-the-solution-to-oilers-top-nine-forward-search","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/431308\/","title":{"rendered":"Could Senators Be the Solution to Oilers Top-Nine Forward Search?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s well known that the Edmonton Oilers\u2019 number one priority ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline is to acquire a top-nine forward, and GM Stan Bowman is willing to wait for more sellers to emerge as that time approaches.<\/p>\n

While several potential targets from other teams have been discussed<\/a>, one squad that hasn\u2019t come up much is the Ottawa Senators, who currently sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n

While making the playoffs remains the goal in the nation\u2019s capital, the path to doing so is tough \u2013 MoneyPuck <\/a>gives them just a 21.3% chance \u2013 and GM Steve Staois could be forced into a reality of selling some pieces.<\/p>\n

Nothing earth-shattering is expected, but there are three legitimate forwards Bowman could target if the Senators go down that route, so let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n

Batherson is an extremely intriguing non-rental option for the Oilers. His $4.975 million salary for the remainder of this season and next is a bargain in today\u2019s rising-cap landscape, and very manageable for Edmonton to take on if they can shed Andrew Mangiapane<\/a> ($3.6 million) and another smaller contract in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

He would give the Oilers\u2019 heavy left-shot forward group a right-handed, point-producing winger who can also play with physicality when needed. Just imagine how much more a consistent 25-goal, 60+ point player in Ottawa could do alongside Connor McDavid<\/a> or Leon Draisaitl<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Oilers Senators Forward Targets<\/p>\n

The main hurdle is the potential price to acquire Batherson, as Staios isn\u2019t inclined to move him<\/a>. Any deal would likely require a first-round pick and more, but if Edmonton is going to spend those assets, targeting a true impact player with term makes the most sense.<\/p>\n

Another non-rental to watch is Zetterlund, who hasn\u2019t quite found his footing in Ottawa since being traded from San Jose at last year\u2019s deadline. His three-year, $4.275 million AAV bridge deal, signed this summer, would allow the Oilers three potential playoff runs with him at a very reasonable cost.<\/p>\n

Like Batherson, there\u2019s nothing forcing Staios to trade the Swedish winger, but a strong enough offer from a team like Edmonton could have him consider it, especially given the transition hasn\u2019t been all that smooth.<\/p>\n

Zetterlund\u2019s mix of offensive ability \u2014 which was on full display with the Sharks \u2014 and hard-nosed style could slot anywhere in the Oilers\u2019 top-nine, providing another right-shot option in a group that lacks them.<\/p>\n

Finally, there\u2019s the pending UFA in Giroux. The veteran remains productive at 38 years old, and if made available, his $2 million salary would draw interest from contenders league-wide.<\/p>\n

Whether he\u2019d waive his full no-movement clause is the big question. That said, Giroux left Philadelphia to chase a Stanley Cup in the first place, and he hasn\u2019t had a deep playoff run since making that move, so the desire to win is likely still there. Not to mention, Edmonton was eyeing him when he hit the free agent market back in 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Being a rental in his late thirties, the cost to acquire Giroux would probably be the lowest of the three options. Because of that, he might end up as the most realistic top-nine forward the Oilers could land from Ottawa if they want to avoid spending significant assets.<\/p>\n

Next: Can Oilers Win a Bidding War for Coveted Third-Line Center?<\/a><\/p>\n

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