We are back with some Ottawa Senators NHL Rumours, and it is coming from one of the main rumour starters David Pagnotta. Ottawa had a huge shock to their system, and now has some assets they want to make use of to improve their current roster. Let’s discuss the direction that Pagnotta suggests they follow. You know what time it is: time to get sensational.
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NHL Rumours and Ottawa Had Business Before Tkachuk Trade
Rumour: The Specific rumour from today to dsicuss is the Sens interest in Calgary Flame right-shot defenceman Zach Whitecloud. Pagnotta also had a long discussion on Mason Marchment’s availability, who may also be on Ottawa’s radar.
Analysis: The idea here originates from the fact Ottawa had work to do to improve their roster construction, even before the Tkachuk trade. So, these are just those type of pieces that Ottawa would have been targeting all along.
It was known, as Pagnotta alluded to, that Ottawa wanted to make some roster upgrades this offseason, prior to the Brady Tkachuk trade happening. The one nice thing now, is that they have some assets to offer in trade packages for players, if they end up going that route.
Ottawa was known to want three things. They wanted a top-four, right-shot defenceman, a top-six winger, and a backup goalie. We will note, there is a rumour floating around that that backup goalie will be Connor Ingram, but we won’t know for sure until July 1st, at the earliest.
Bob Stauffer (OilersNow) says he expects G Connor Ingram to sign with Ottawa on July 1st. #GoSensGo
Ingram, 29, produced a .899 SV% and 7.45 GSAx with EDM last season.
AFPAnalytics projects a two-year contract worth $3M annually. pic.twitter.com/5Z0TEK6bOD
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) June 23, 2026
As for top-six wingers, they did already acquire William Eklund, so that was a start. However, it doesn’t seem like they are finished as per our extensive NHL Rumours. Mason McTavish has been heavily rumoured at this point, so that could very well happen yet. Pagnotta made reference to the fact that Mason Marchment, might provide exactly what the Sens need. A bit of size, some middle-six scoring, and won’t break the bank, at an approximate average annual value in the $5-6 million range. If you think that Eklund largely replaces Tkachuk’s scoring, A.J. Greer might be a tough guy to inject into this Sens lineup. He can score, coming off a career-high 17-goal campaign, and he definitely brings the physical punch, from a guy who can play, that would help the deficit felt by the loss of Tkachuk.
The Right Defenceman for the Sens to Target
Four our NHL Rumours, the main reference Pagnotta making for Ottawa, is the right-shot d-man, Zach Whitecloud. Furthermore, he suggested that Calgary is starting to circulate his name, and seeing if there is interest. With two willing trade partners, it might be synching up well for general manager Steve Staios to make it happen.
Whitecloud is a 29-year-old, Manitoba native. Through eight NHL seasons, and 399 games, he is over 18 minutes a game. He’s a rugged defenceman who can hit and block shots, and great in the corners or net front. Furthermore, he is solid at moving the puck. He also has a Stanley Cup ring from the 2023 Vegas Golden Knight victory. His experience suggests he is ready to elevate to more of a top-four role, than he previously might have been to this point of his career. For his age, he still may have a lot left in the tank. He was never an NHL rookie, until the 2020-21 season at age 24.
The other side of this, is that there haven’t been too many names circulating, in terms of top-four, right-shot defencemen. Yes, Colton Parayko may be available, but that would likely take a big trade package in return. Plus, given him having shot down the move to Buffalo at last year’s trade deadline, there is uncertainty if he even wants to go come to Ottawa.
So, just what is Staios cooking up? Between the McTavish and now Whitecloud rumours, it does seem like a lot is on the menu. The Sens have draft capital to spend. It seems it is a when, not if, scenario at this point.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
