Brady Tkachuk Trade Already Shifting as Senators Shop Those Panthers Picks

The Ottawa Senators finally made the playoffs two years in a row for the first time since the Obama administration. Then they traded Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. That part was the headline. But the real story might be what happens next.

The deal sent Tkachuk to Florida in exchange for a pile of futures. Two first-round picks in 2026 — including one the Panthers grabbed earlier that day in the Mackie Samsokevich trade — plus a conditional 2029 first-rounder and a 2027 second-round pick. Senators GM Steve Staios called it a move for the long haul. “We now possess cap space and draft capital and will be actively working to improve our roster,” Staios said.

But according to TSN’s Bruce Garrioch, those picks might not be for draft night. At least not all of them. Garrioch reported that Staios is actively shopping picks 9 and 25 before the first round on Friday. And there’s lots of interest.

Ottawa’s Shopping List

The Senators hold three first-round picks and three third-rounders this year, which gives them flexibility to move up or trade for an established player. What they’re missing is a second-round pick. And more importantly, they’re missing a top-six forward to slot in next to Tim Stutzle.

The free agent market is basically empty for that kind of help. So Ottawa is looking at the trade route. One name that’s floated around? Mason McTavish from the Ducks. He’s young, he’s physical, he’s got skill. The price would be steep, but the Senators have the chips to make it happen.

McTavish is 22 and already has two 25-goal seasons. He’d fit the age window of the roster. Anaheim might be open to a deal if they’re not sold on his long-term fit or if they want to accelerate their own rebuild. Ottawa would have to move quickly — the draft starts Friday night.

What This Means

The Senators didn’t just trade their captain for a bunch of picks and wave a white flag. They’re trying to reshape the team on the fly. Staios inherited a cap situation that wasn’t great, and this Tkachuk deal clears space while bringing in assets that might be flipped for help now.

It’s a risky tightrope. Trade a franchise face, get some picks, then turn those picks into a roster player who might not move the needle enough. But the alternative was keeping a star who may not have re-signed, or letting the cap strangle any flexibility.

Garrioch’s report suggests Ottawa isn’t done. The phones are ringing. Whether it’s McTavish or someone else, expect the Senators to make noise before the first round wraps up.