NHL Free Agency: Senators Linked To Two 'Top-Scoring' Wingers This Offseason
Julian McKenzie of The Athletic believes the Ottawa Senators’ top priority this offseason should be finding a true top-line right winger to complement Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk. While Claude Giroux has filled that role admirably, McKenzie suggests the team would be better off moving the veteran lower in the lineup. With roughly $18.4 million in projected cap space heading into 2025-26, Ottawa has some room to work with, though not enough to pursue Toronto’s Mitch Marner. “I think Mitch Marner will be too pricey for Ottawa,” McKenzie wrote, adding that the Senators should instead focus on more realistic targets.NIKOLAJ EHLERS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/f8mWQu5rRj— Winnipeg Sports Talk (@SportsTalkWPG) March 23, 2025
Two such names McKenzie puts forward are Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers and Dallas’ Mikael Granlund. Ehlers, 29, offers speed, scoring touch, and more potential long-term value for the Senators if they’re looking to invest in a prime-aged winger. Granlund, who’s had a late-career resurgence, is a more short-term option but brings versatility and proven production. “Granlund has played well the past two years,” McKenzie noted, though he cautioned the 33-year-old is “getting uncomfortably close to his ‘best before’ date.”MIKAEL GRANLUND FIRST AS A STAR🗣️#TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/66Ovn2cEXF— Victory+ (@victoryplustv) March 10, 2025
Whether Ottawa makes a major splash or opts for a more measured addition, McKenzie believes the team’s recent moves—like acquiring Dylan Cozens and Fabian Zetterlund—position them well to take the next step. He credits GM Steve Staios with building around a strong core and sees the Senators as a potentially dangerous playoff team.Photo Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images...
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