Senators and Canucks Are Emerging as Natural Trade Partners

As the trade deadline approaches, the Ottawa Senators are quietly shaping up as one of the more intriguing buyers — and the Vancouver Canucks may be one of their most logical trade partners.

According to Bruce Garrioch’s reporting, league executives have repeatedly indicated that Ottawa is aggressively scouring the market for a right-shot defenseman, with an added interest in a top-six forward. That shopping list just happens to overlap neatly with the Canucks’ roster — assuming Vancouver is willing to make some tough decisions.

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Why Ottawa Is Looking — and Why Vancouver Fits

Ottawa wants to add another defenseman. Nick Jensen has struggled to regain form following offseason hip surgery and has been scratched multiple times. Jordan Spence hasn’t solidified himself as a top-four option, while Nikolas Matinpalo is better suited for depth duty. Simply put, the Senators need a right-shot defender who can play meaningful minutes alongside either Thomas Chabot or Jake Sanderson.

For that reason, Garrioch suggests that Filip Hronek fits.

Hronek would be a near-perfect on-ice fit for Ottawa. Garrioch writes:

“He certainly would fit the bill to play with either Jake Sanderson or Thomas Chabot on the right side, but Hronek has a full no-move and is expected to be part of the solution. Some have mentioned Tyler Myers as a possibility, but we’ve been told the Canucks won’t trade him.”

Hronek carries a $7.25 million cap hit through 2031–32 and holds a full no-movement clause. Vancouver also views him as a core piece — unless this turns into a deeper reset. If Hronek is available at all, Ottawa would need to make a “can’t refuse” type of offer.

The Forward Connection Makes Even More Sense

Up front, the fit is arguably cleaner.

Senators head coach Travis Green is a known fan of Conor Garland, who brings speed, tenacity, and legitimate top-six production. Garland’s $6 million cap hit is significant, but Ottawa has the flexibility to absorb it — especially if they believe he can stabilize their middle-six scoring long-term.

Then there’s Kiefer Sherwood, who checks every box Ottawa covets: energy, physicality, penalty killing, and secondary offense. The issue is price. Vancouver has already turned down solid offers, and Sherwood’s market is crowded, with more than 20 teams reportedly interested.

Jake DeBrusk is another name that aligns with Ottawa’s needs. He brings playoff experience, net-front power-play scoring, and term — though that same contract length could give the Senators pause.

The Big Question: How Far Is Vancouver Willing to Go?

This potential partnership hinges on Vancouver’s direction. If Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin opt for a partial reset rather than a teardown, someone like Hronek likely stays put. But if the Canucks decide to cash in assets to reshape their core, Ottawa has both the need and the motivation to engage.

The fact that Steve Staios is still actively shopping suggests Ottawa believes it’s better than its record. If that’s the case, a trade with Vancouver — one that addresses Ottawa’s right side and scoring depth — could be one of the more natural deadline fits to watch.

Next: Marc-André Fleury Comments Add Fuel to Oilers and Canadiens Rumors