Senators and Panthers face roster gaps after Tkachuk deal

Ottawa received three first-round picks and one second-round pick from Florida in exchange for Brady Tkachuk.

Senators need multiple pieces after losing top-six winger

The Senators now lack a skilled top-six left winger on top of existing holes for a winger beside Tim Stutzle, a top-four right-shot defenseman and a backup goaltender. GM Steve Staios holds three first-round picks and a second-rounder that can be used as trade chips. Ken Campbell of The Hockey News stated the Tkachuk deal cannot be Ottawa’s only move this summer. Postmedia reported renewed interest in Anaheim’s Mason McTavish, who has five years remaining at a $7 million AAV. Interest also exists in Pittsburgh forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, though Rakell carries an eight-team no-trade list.

Offer sheet possibility emerges for Jason Robertson

Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period indicated Ottawa could pursue Dallas left winger Jason Robertson, an RFA with arbitration rights after a four-year, $7.75 million AAV deal. Robertson becomes a UFA after one more season. If no trade materializes by July 1, the Senators could extend an offer sheet to the high-scoring winger. Jordan Kyrou of St. Louis surfaced earlier but will not waive his no-trade clause to join Ottawa.

Panthers must solve goaltending before July 1

Florida acquired Tkachuk yet faces goaltending uncertainty with Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov becoming unrestricted free agents. The Panthers retain just over $7 million in cap space. Bobrovsky reportedly seeks a six- or seven-year, $42 million contract that may exceed Florida’s budget. David Dwork of The Hockey News noted Connor Hellebuyck of Winnipeg appeared in rumors, though assets spent on Tkachuk make such a deal unlikely. Affordable alternatives include Jordan Binnington of St. Louis or free-agent Stuart Skinner of Pittsburgh.