Senators' Next Big Move Emerges After Brady Tkachuk Blockbuster Trade
The Ottawa Senators are wasting little time in shifting the direction of the franchise after trading captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
The organization entered the offseason facing major questions after a second consecutive first-round exit from the playoffs, but the return from the Tkachuk deal will immediately give the Senators significant assets to turn the franchise around.
Ottawa flipped their former captain for the No. 9 and No. 25 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, another first-round pick (conditional) in the 2029 NHL Draft, and a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, as well as clearing his $8.2 million salary for cap space.
According to reports emerging shortly after the move was announced, the Senators already know who they will pursue in order to pull off another blockbuster move and bring Tkachuk's replacement to Ottawa.
The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta reported that Ottawa is pushing hard to acquire upcoming restricted free agent Jason Robertson from the Dallas Stars.
Robertson, who scored 45 goals and 96 points last season, would represent a major addition as Ottawa attempts to retool its roster following the departure of its longtime captain and best overall player.
"Things are very fluid, and there's plenty of time for Dallas to explore its options, but sources say Ottawa is making a big push for Jason Robertson," Pagnotta reported. "If a trade cannot be ironed out and he hits July 1 as an RFA, the Senators could present him with a significant offer sheet."
Things are very fluid, and there's plenty of time for Dallas to explore its options, but sources say Ottawa is making a big push for Jason Robertson. If a trade cannot be ironed out and he hits July 1 as an RFA, the Senators could present him with a significant offer sheet. https://t.co/8HMfW5H5QD
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 21, 2026
The Senators' interest comes amid the uncertainty surrounding Robertson's contract situation-he's a pending restricted free agent-and future in Dallas, a story that has been going on for months.
Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos noted back in January that the winger could command more than $12 million annually, a figure that might be hard for the Stars to offer Robertson.
"One idea floating around the league is a bigger swing involving Dallas - specifically Jason Robertson," Kypreos wrote. "Contract talks there haven't been smooth, where Robertson is believed to be looking for north of $12 million a year. That's not an easy number for the Stars."
If negotiations between Robertson and Dallas stall, and the Stars cannot agree to a trade package with the Senators, the offer sheet route remains an option once the winger enters free agency on July 1.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 4:30 AM.