The Ottawa Senators made staff changes but still struggle in the Eastern Conference, leading to rumors they could make trades next. Ottawa Senators [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzNTA4NTM5ODA3NzcwNDIw/usatsi_22181130_168400847_lowres.jpg] Ottawa Senators It's been a season of change for the Ottawa Senators, having shaken up their management and coaching staff since November. However, it hasn't resulted in any on-ice improvement as they remain mired at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. With the March 8 trade deadline two months away and their playoff hopes all but gone, GM-president of hockey operations Steve Staios is expected to become a seller in the coming weeks. However, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch [https://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/garrioch-steve-staios-will-stay-as-senators-gm-dave-poulin-added-as-senior-vp] reported on Dec. 31 that Staios also wants to add some veteran toughness and leadership to his roster. Six days later, Garrioch indicated [https://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/gm-steve-staios-looking-for-veteran-help-to-assist-the-senators-young-core] Staios remained in the market for veteran help. The Senators GM is seeking a third-line forward who could help alternate captain Claude Giroux as a leader for the club's young players. On Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-closing-in-on-eight-year-nylander-extension-with-an-aav-around-11-5m/] reported the Senators management were letting teams know they were willing to try some things. He said they're in the market for “professional players” who know how to play properly and take good care of themselves. Garrioch followed up [https://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/garrioch-ottawa-senators-must-dig-themselves-out-of-the-hole-theyre-in] by citing a league executive claiming it's difficult to find such players at this point in the season. Those who are available are in the final year of their contracts. Friedman and Garrioch said Staios isn't willing to move any of his young core players. If he changes his mind, players such as captain Brady Tkachuk, center Tim Stutzle and defenseman Jake Sanderson are likely untouchable. The Athletic's Ian Mendes [https://theathletic.com/5177477/2024/01/08/ottawa-senators-top-stories-2024/] noted that blueliner Thomas Chabot's no-trade clause kicks in on July 1. While it seems unlikely they'd move one of their best defensemen, Mendes noted that it's a new regime in Ottawa. They didn't sign Chabot or any of the current roster and aren't beholden to them. That being said, Mendes believes all eyes will be on Vladimir Tarasenko and Dominik Kubalik. The two pending UFA wingers are the most likely Senators to be peddled by the trade deadline. THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTg5MzM3NTA5NzY2MjUy/my-thn-ad-banner-1500x150.jpg] THN.com/free
