This is the latest offseason Ottawa Senators and NHL Rumours from us here at Last Word On Hockey. It has been made relatively clear that the Sens would like to add a top-flight player this offseason. Whether that be a backup goalie, a top-four defenceman, or a top-six winger, there does appear to be momentum in the idea of a major addition. We will discuss the forwards, but we do take a detour to get there. You are about to get sensational.
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NHL Rumours and the Ottawa Senators Seek Top-Six Forward Upgrade
Rumour: Today’s rumour is specific to Ottawa Citizen and TSN contributor, Ottawa Senator insider, Bruce Garrioch’s thoughts on the Sens acquiring Mason McTavish.
Analysis: Acquiring McTavish has it challenges, but it is a very intriguing move. We also take a look at the potential impact on the roster as a whole, to see why it works.
Let’s start with their free agents upfront, consider Lars Eller and Claude Giroux as returnees. Nick Cousins could take $1.5 million, or so, and come back or we could explore someone like Marcus Johansson. Vladimir Tarasenko might be available, but likely would price himself out of Ottawa’s interests, that is assuming he doesn’t re-sign with the Minnesota Wild. In any case, it is somewhat inconsequential.
Fabian Zetterlund is a bit of a hang-up, given his cost on the books for 2026-27, and, let’s face it, his lack of offensive production since joining Ottawa. Ottawa wanted more offence out of him. That’s what they were hoping to get out of a player of his value. Now, we have discussed in the past, this could be the year he breaks out. However, relevant for NHL Rumours, the fear for general manager Steve Staios is that he turns into a below-replacement player, especially on a low-value contract, when money is tight.
Moreover, that kind of leads you to our next perspective, the big picture. If the Sens have money to spend, and spend it, it depends who they have on the roster. You know, a player to hit the initial target, as we explained, a first or second liner added. The point is, in that case, having Zetterlund around for the fourth line, wouldn’t be a big deal. So, it really comes down to the monetary side of things.
The Impact on the Rest of the Roster
One problem with the Sens roster distribution is that Carter Yakemchuk is the Sens best NHL prospect and top trade asset, both at the same time, simultaneously. That is why the internal belief is that a previous weakness of the Sens D, and their lack of right-shot depth, has definitely shifted its appearance, or maybe anatomy more precisely. Now, it is more specific to the fact they might just lack high-end depth.
Between Yakemchuk and Artem Zub, Jordan Spence, and Nikolas Matinpalo, in many ways it is a very enviable right side to discuss. That is true when you consider the left side of Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot, and Tyler Kleven. Therefore, if this is the defence going forward for 2026-27, and beyond, the Sens would have some money to spend. Also, the other option is they could spend on goaltending, but we think it goes into the offence.
The Answer for the Sens Worries Per NHL Rumours
So that is why it is time to discuss the Sens top six forwards addition. Other names we have linked include Bobby McMann, Mason Marchment, Alex Tuch, and Viktor Arvidsson. All solid options to improve your middle-six alignment.
One aspect of the Sens as a team in their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, was wanting to inject size and speed into their lineup. They want a big body, shooter with speed, that can win you games in the playoffs. The ultimate springtime drink stirrer.
Could Mason McTavish be that player? All it would take for him is to develop some chemistry and get hot offensively that would drive up his offensive efficiency. The Sens are that close, but we do feel they want to add a substantial name. Defence options like Colton Parayko and Darren Raddysh remain some of the types of examples the Sens would consider.
McTavish makes $7 million a year until the summer of 2031. He only had 41 points in 75 games for the Anaheim Ducks in 2025-26. Furthermore, he was sat in the Stanley Cup Playoffs by head coach Joel Quenneville. Therefore, he might come at a bargain. Dare we say it. McTavish is a scorer, and plays an intense game, at times. The potential is there, and maybe a supporting case member would benefit his game, and make him a bigger impact come playoffs. Tough to say at this point.
According to Moneypuck, 333 forwards played a minimum of 650 minutes at 5v5 in 2025-26. McTavish’s on-ice expected goal differential was above average at 130th or above the 60th percentile (2.8, tied with Alex Tuch).
It is noteworthy that Staios hired his dad, Dale McTavish, as a scout, since arriving in Ottawa. In any sense, whether the Sens add a major piece, or rely on internal growth to improve their standing for 2026-27, the summer will keep us watching.
Main Photo Credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
