January 26, 2025 | 1:14pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

COULD OTTAWA ENTER THE PETTERSSON RACE?

Senators GM Steve Staios

It is no secret the Ottawa Senators have been exploring the trade market for upgrades, especially on the blueline, but could they shift some of their focus to star centre Elias Pettersson?

The Vancouver Canucks have been engaged in trade discussions with several teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres, about Pettersson, as well as talks with other clubs about fellow star J.T. Miller.

The Hurricanes tried acquiring Pettersson or Miller from Vancouver before pulling off a blockbuster three-way trade with the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks that brought Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall to Raleigh.

Canucks GM Patrik Allvin appears willing to move Pettersson if the right package is presented and talks with teams like the Sabres continue.

Ottawa has been fishing for upgrades to further enhance their chances of making the post-season, but with limited salary cap space Senators GM Steve Staios would need to move out a roster player if he makes an impact addition.

The Senators have been linked to such players as Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Marcus Pettersson and Columbus Blue Jackets blueliner Ivan Provorov on the backend, but could try to enhance their offence as the club ranks 26th in the NHL in goals-for per game (2.71).

Pettersson, 26, is in the first year of an eight-year, $92.8 million contract and has a no-movement clause that kicks in July 1. He currently ranks atop the TFP Trade Watch List with Miller.

According to TFP’s David Pagnotta, the Senators are still believed to have centre Josh Norris available and could try to package Norris in a larger deal for Pettersson.

Norris, 25, is in the third season of an eight-year, $63.6 million contract.

In 47 games with the Senators so far this season, Norris has registered 17 goals and 10 assists for 27 points.

Pettersson has tallied 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points in 42 games with Vancouver, to date.

Allvin is reportedly seeking a centre as the main piece of a package for either Pettersson or Miller, and could look to add a defenceman in a deal, as well.