Staios Vows to Help Senators at Trade Deadline If Possible

Ottawa Senators’ GM Steve Staios says there’s a long way to go, and the team is having internal conversations about what their approach will be at the trade deadline, but if he can help his group, he will.

Speaking with the media on Sunday, Staios said it was nice to be having discussions about possibly adding and not just selling. He noted:

“We’ll continue to look at options Kyle, to try and help the group out in certain ways, but also watching the group grow internally, as I’ve told you to call ups that are coming up. We will certainly will keep an eye on it. I mean it’s nice to be having that conversation right now, where again, we’re at game 41, there’s still time as we head towards the trade deadline. But it’s really nice to have those thoughts and this group has earned it.”

---

---

Staios called it the team taking that first step.

If the Senators can play their way into being buyers, it sounds like the team will do what it can to bolster a roster that has finally played up to the standards many have expected over the past few seasons.

Can the Senators Get to the Point They Are Buyers?

The Senators have taken swings before, but typically in the summer. Hoping that the additions will put them in a good spot from the onset of each season, the investments haven’t typically paid off. The Senators have failed to be competitive for several seasons, finishing well outside the playoff conversation numerous times. It’s led to rumors of breaking up the roster and some trades, including moving Jakob Chychrun to the Washington Capitals after his addition didn’t pan out.

The team currently holds a 20-18-3 record and sits three points outside of a wild-card spot in the Easter Conference. They did go on a run in mid-December but then dropped off again with four straight losses to start the month of January. They’ll need to show more consistency if Staios is going to give up future assets for players who can help now.

Next: Tortorella Wants Flyers’ Focus on Meaningful Games Not Trade Sh–