We are all a little shocked for the Ottawa Senators organization. However, following the Brady Tkachuk trade, we are here to quickly shift the rhetoric of looking for a replacement. David Pagnotta was discussing the situation and may have the Sens follow-up move. Let’s discuss.
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NHL Rumours and the Sens Need to Replace Brady Tkachuk
Rumour: David Pagnotta stopped by the boys with Coming In Hot podcast, is suggesting that things are not set in stone, but there definitely has been a ripple effect caused by the Brady Tkachuk trade. He thinks Ottawa could push for Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars.
Analysis: We do see these things happen, where one big (seemingly unrelated) move leads to another. The Leafs recent acquisition of Darren Raddysh, following the move of Joseph Woll, would be an example. It was known that contract negotiations between the Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson hadn’t been the greatest. Maybe one thing could lead to another for Ottawa.
Before we discuss the Jason Robertson angle, we will look at the trade overall. It definitely continues the string of blockbusters, but we will say this one did somewhat feel to come out of left field. Even the Darren Raddysh trade was a big one, but we liken this one to the Quinn Hughes acquisition. That happened just a few months ago, as the Minnesota Wild were loading up for their 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff run. So, there is some precedence of these big pieces moving.
My understanding is the Senators also had conversations with Carolina and Vegas, other teams that were on Tkachuk's list. I also think Minnesota was on the list. Four-team list but in the end, Brady obviously wanted to go join his brother in Florida.
Senators made the best of a…— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 21, 2026
For the Brady Tkachuk situation itself, we knew there was some turmoil in Ottawa. Between the Wingmen podcast, and Keith and Matthew Tkachuk often poking light at the situation for Brady in Ottawa. However, we must say that Brady would often stay steadfast. He was always respectful of the situation as the captain of a Canadian NHL club. Point is, if we didn’t think a Brady Tkachuk trade would happen sometimes things don’t always go as expected. There was some sentiment that Brady Tkachuk seemed like he was an Ottawa Senator for life. But then there you have it, it is only a sentiment, not real life. Having been the captain for the past couple seasons, and being a strong presence in the forward group since his arrival in the NHL back in 2018.
We do need to try to look for the good in this if you are an Ottawa Senator fan, and that is that they could possibly switch the tone up. Adding a Matthew Knies or a Jason Robertson would be a huge component. Hey, maybe the Sens management could leverage the first-round draft picks as addition trade bait. This move does free up salary cap space for the Sens at this time. So, there is lots of fluidity.
It is interesting the Sens record this past season without Brady, and the timing of when he missed action, and the importance of that stretch to the club and making the playoffs. The Sens were 32-22-6 with Brady in the lineup in 2025-26, and 12-5-5 without him.
Brady was always subject to NHL rumours and trade speculation during his time in Ottawa. So really, there will be less stress, but for both sides. It might just be a good thing.
Pagnotta was saying that even if the Sens can’t trade for Robertson, maybe they could explore the offer sheet option, iof the restricted free agent Robertson doesn’t sign before July 1st. The Sens have notably had interest in Jason Robertson going back to last summer, and Staios has been in conversation with the Stars. Robertson is a guy with a career high of 109 points, and had 96 the past season. He might just be a great linemate with Tim Stutzle.
They go on to talk some dollars. Ottawa would put in a strong pitch of up to $14 million, where he could have more than Dallas is able to offer him. It does seem to make sense.
The picks going to Ottawa will be the 9th overall pick this year, 25th overall this year, 2029 first-round pick and a 2030 second round pick.
I think the Senators tried on Lundell but Florida held firm, Panthers view him as a 1C. Didn't want to trade him.— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 21, 2026
NHL Rumours and the Ottawa Senators Forward Plans Heading into Summer Signing Season
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