Senators Face Tough Decisions at 2026 NHL Trade Deadline

Batherson trade could net big return, but standing pat is a risky move for Ottawa

Mar. 2, 2026 at 8:47pm

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The Ottawa Senators are in a tough spot heading into the 2026 NHL trade deadline. After making the playoffs last season, they have struggled this year and sit five points out of a postseason spot. With the deadline approaching, the Senators must decide whether to trade star winger Drake Batherson for a big return or stand pat with their current core. Trading Batherson could net them a valuable first-round pick, but doing nothing risks wasting another season and alienating the locker room.

Why it matters

The Senators are at a crossroads - they believe they have a playoff-caliber core, but this season has not gone as planned. How they approach the trade deadline will have major implications for the franchise's immediate and long-term future. Making the right moves could set them up for sustained success, while standing pat risks squandering another season.

The details

Batherson, a fourth-round pick in 2017, has emerged as one of the Senators' top players with four straight 20-goal seasons. With one year left on his contract at $4.975 million, he is an attractive trade target for contenders like the Sabres, Red Wings, and Islanders. Trading Batherson could net the Senators a valuable first-round pick to aid their rebuild. However, GM Steve Staios must decide if he wants to be a buyer, seller, or stand pat at the deadline. Doing nothing risks frustrating the locker room, but making the wrong moves could also set the franchise back.

  • The 2026 NHL trade deadline is on March 6.
  • The Senators are currently five points out of a playoff spot with a month left in the regular season.

The players

Drake Batherson

A fourth-round draft pick in 2017 who has emerged as one of the Senators' top players, with four straight 20-goal seasons. He has one year left on his contract at $4.975 million.

Steve Staios

The general manager of the Ottawa Senators, who must decide how to approach the 2026 trade deadline.

Brady Tkachuk

A core player for the Senators who the team should not trade, even though he would bring back a significant return.

Jake Sanderson

A core player for the Senators who the team should not trade, even though he would bring back a significant return.

Tim Stutzle

A core player for the Senators who the team should not trade, even though he would bring back a significant return.

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What’s next

The Senators must decide by the March 6 trade deadline whether to trade Batherson for a valuable return, make a bold move to improve the team for this season, or stand pat and risk wasting another year.

The takeaway

The Senators are at a critical juncture, with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. How they approach the trade deadline will have major implications for the franchise's immediate and long-term future. Trading Batherson could net them a valuable first-round pick, but doing nothing risks frustrating the locker room and squandering another season. The Senators must pick a clear direction to either buy, sell, or stay the course.