Reasons to Mortgage the Future to Win Now: Parity Won’t Last Once the Cap Rises
There is currently immense parity in the NHL, especially in the Eastern Conference, where the first-place New Jersey Devils (31 points) and the last-place Buffalo Sabres (22 points) are separated by only nine points. The Senators (28 points) sit just two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning (30 points) for first in the Atlantic, and only three points back of first overall in the East. The only truly elite team at the moment is the Colorado Avalanche (39 points), with the Dallas Stars sitting second with 34.
With the salary cap set to expand significantly in the coming years, parity is going to diminish. It will become increasingly difficult for Ottawa to re-sign their existing core when competing against teams with greater financial means.
The Senators should mortgage the future to win now because the future will become more expensive, and retaining top-end talent in a have-and-have-not league will only get harder. The Senators’ play of late has been more consistent in all three areas—goaltending, defense, and offense. Many players have shown growth in both leadership and performance. It’s the right time to supplement this core with one more high-impact player who can score, regardless of position. The lineup has a strong blend of veterans and players entering their prime, all under contract.
In my humble opinion, Staios will make something happen before the Olympic break. The Sens have cap space, and in blockbuster trades, money goes out as well—so room will be available for a substantial contract.
The Cost of Trading for Impact Players
Is Staios comfortable paying the steep price required to land an impact player like Quinn Hughes? The first piece of any deal would be a current roster player—names such as Chabot, Greig, Batherson, and Cozens are the most frequently mentioned trade chips. Parting with one or two of these players would be the going rate for a high-end player in return. The cost would be clear, because Staios can compare their production and usage to what Hughes would provide.
The next part of the return is potentially more costly because there is uncertainty. We don’t yet know the true end value of a Carter Yakemchuk, who is currently excelling in his development as a top right-shot defenseman in Belleville. Nor do we know the ceiling of Logan Hensler, who could potentially be a Sanderson 2.0 but on the right side—similar speed and defensive instincts, and showing emerging offensive ability in his second college season. Add to that a likely late first-round pick, which could easily become another solid NHL player.
Staios will likely be comfortable giving up these assets if the player coming back puts the Senators in legitimate Cup contention for the next three years.
Trade for Quinn Hughes — But Only With an Extension in Place
An agreed-upon extension is essential for Quinn Hughes if the Ottawa Senators are going to trade away quality assets from their organization. Hughes is currently signed until the end of the 2026–27 season, giving him a year and a half left on his contract. Acquiring Hughes would give the Senators tremendous dominance from the backend. With Sanderson and Hughes rotating shifts, one of the two would always be on the ice. The Senators would immediately increase puck possession and generate more scoring chances with what would likely be the best defense duo in the NHL.
The current core is signed until the end of 2027–28, with Tkachuk’s and Chabot’s contracts expiring that season. If the Senators are going to trade for Hughes, it would be ideal to have him for at least one extra season—if not longer—to help extend their Stanley Cup window. It’s difficult to imagine Steve Staios giving up a current impact roster player, a quality prospect, and a future first for a year-and-a-half rental. It would be a massive gamble for Staios and the direction of the Senators if they cannot at least lock him up for an extra year. Without an extension, it’s simply not worth the gamble.
The Tkachuk Factor
Tkachuk returns tonight, and the Sens have been waiting—like the Tin Man—for their heart to come back, because every team needs its captain. With Tkachuk back in the lineup, the Senators regain their top goal scorer and the physical force that drives their identity both at five-on-five and on the power play. The fear and pressure he applies on opposing defensemen is significant. Teams have to game-plan differently and add an element of toughness when preparing for the Tkachuk factor.
I’m looking forward to seeing Tkachuk ride shotgun on the top line with Stützle, and my guess is Travis Green will reunite Cozens and Batherson. This Sens team is going to be tough to play against with Brady bursting with excitement to return. Let’s hope this is the catalyst that helps Ottawa separate themselves from the rest of the East.
Songs That Should Be Played at the Return Game in Ottawa vs. Rangers – Dec. 4th
“The Boys Are Back in Town” (Thin Lizzy) should echo through Canadian Tire Centre when they take the ice, especially with Tkachuk finally returning and the team having been away for fifteen days. The Senators have been “Taking Care of Business” (BTO) on this road trip and stacking up points.
“Another Brick in the Wall” (Pink Floyd) is the perfect shout-out to Ullmark and Meriläinen for their recent strong play. And how about “Kung Fu Fighting” (Carl Douglas) for the back-and-forth argument between Cousins and Travis Green—plenty of twisting and gesturing between those two. For the final song, the Sens have “Come Together” (The Beatles) and embraced a next-man-up mentality through all the injuries that have hit them this season.
