Senators Linked to Panthers' Star Defenseman in Offseason Move

According to Pagnotta, the Senators will explore the top of the market to address their need for a new right-handed defender to bolster their blueline.

"The Ottawa Senators are expected to go after a right-shot defenceman this summer, either via trade or free agency, to boost their blueline going into the 2025-26 season," Pagnotta wrote.

An anonymous executive quoted in Garrioch's report underscored the challenge the Senators are facing. 

"Everybody is looking for that kind of defenseman. If you have them, you want to keep them, and if you’re looking for one, they’re hard to find."

Ottawa’s interest intensified after veteran Nick Jensen underwent surgery for a lower-body injury. Though Jensen hopes to be ready for training camp, the uncertainty has left the Sens seeking a reliable partner for Thomas Chabot on the second pair.

As one league exec told the Ottawa Citizen, "If they’re going to get one, they’re going to have to pay a heavy price."

Ekblad recently addressed his looming free agency, saying he’s not focused on it during Florida’s playoff run. 

"It’s one of those things. It’s always going to linger around," Ekblad said. "But at the end of the day, I’m well taken care of. I'm able to go out and play pretty freely on a nightly basis."