The Ottawa Senators have become the center of attention across the NHL after pulling off one of the most shocking moves of the offseason. Trading away your 26-year-old franchise captain and emotional heartbeat, especially sending him to a division rival to team up with his brother Matthew Tkachuk, is the kind of high-stakes gamble that defines a general manager’s legacy.
And before Senators fans had a chance to fully process the blockbuster trade, insider David Pagnotta revealed another intriguing development: Ottawa is reportedly looking to use its newly acquired assets to make a “big swing” for Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson.
Fans Abuzz Over Senators’ Pursuit of Jason Robertson
The Panthers and Senators completed a blockbuster trade Sunday night, sending Brady Tkachuk to Florida to reunite with his brother Matthew. In return, Ottawa received four draft picks, including the No. 9 overall selection in this year’s draft, and is reportedly already exploring ways to use those assets in another major move.
According to insider David Pagnotta, Ottawa is making a serious push for Robertson, one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players.
Robertson is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1 after a stellar 45-goal, 96-point season that saw him finish 10th in NHL scoring. However, contract talks with Dallas GM Jim Nill have reportedly stalled, with Robertson seeking $13-14 million annually while the Stars are believed to have a ceiling of around $12 million.
Pagnotta reported: “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.”
The report immediately sparked reactions across the hockey world.
The Everyday Sens channel was firmly in favor of an aggressive approach: “Offer sheet compensation would be four 1st-round picks… and I’d do it. Sens would still have 9/25/32 and three 3rds this year, two 2027 2nds and a 2029 1st. I don’t think people understand. Robertson is a significant upgrade on Tkachuk and Ottawa could still add more.”
NHL writer Jim Biringer highlighted just how chaotic the offseason could become if Ottawa pursues the offer-sheet route: “Summer about to get wild. We know they need D. Imagine they offer sheet to Jason Robertson. Would you take that risk? Dallas wants to sign.”
Meanwhile, Analyst Bob Sturm welcomed the idea from the Stars’ perspective, noting the massive compensation package Ottawa would have to surrender: “Triple dog dare you to offer sheet him. I think owning Ottawa’s next four 1sts would be delightful.”
Not everyone was shy about comparing the two stars directly. Analyst Nick Alberga offered a blunt assessment: “Jason Robertson > Brady Tkachuk.” And NHL insider Jeff Marek couldn’t resist hinting at Ottawa’s potential interest: “Does Jason Robertson play left wing? Asking for a GM with picks + cap space.”
Whether Ottawa ultimately lands Robertson remains to be seen, but the aggressive approach is clear.
If the Senators can pull off a deal, they would be adding one of the NHL’s elite young scorers to a core headlined by Tim Stützle. It would represent a dramatic shift in identity, replacing some of the grit and emotion lost with Tkachuk’s departure with high-end offensive firepower.
One thing is certain: Ottawa isn’t interested in taking a step back, and this offseason could be just getting started.
