Ottawa Senators Face Pivotal Stretch Amid Playoff Chase and Trade Deadline Looming
OTTAWA, January 28, 2026 – The Ottawa Senators enter the final week of January 2026 in a familiar, precarious position: on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. With the NHL trade deadline approaching, the club’s immediate future hangs in the balance as management weighs whether to buy, sell, or stand pat.
Current Standings and Performance
As of January 27, the Senators hold an 8th-place position in the Atlantic Division with a record of 24 wins, 21 losses, and 7 overtime losses (24-21-7), good for 55 points. They sit eight points back of the second Eastern Conference wild card spot. The team’s statistical profile reveals a tale of two sides: a potent offence countered by defensive struggles. Ottawa ranks 10th in the league in goals for per game (3.3) but a concerning 26th in goals against per game (3.3). Their special teams are similarly split, with a power play operating at 22.8% (9th) but a league-worst penalty kill at 72.2%.
Key Facts & Recent Context
| Metric | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Record (W-L-OTL) | 24-21-7 (55 Points) |
| Division Rank | 8th in Atlantic |
| Playoff Status | 8 Points Out of Wild Card |
| Goals For/Game | 3.3 (10th in NHL) |
| Goals Against/Game | 3.3 (26th in NHL) |
| Penalty Kill % | 72.2% (30th in NHL) |
The team’s recent form has been inconsistent, typified by a 7-1 dismantling of the Vegas Golden Knights followed by a loss to the Nashville Predators. Forward Dylan Cozens, acquired near the 2025 trade deadline, is reportedly finding his stride again after a quiet stretch, providing a needed offensive boost.
The Trade Deadline Dilemma
The Senators’ position has sparked intense debate about their strategy for the 2026 trade deadline. Analysis from multiple outlets suggests the club is facing a clear dilemma. If they can close the gap to within a few points of a wild card spot, pressure will mount to be buyers and add for a playoff push. However, if the standings do not improve rapidly, the consensus is they will likely become sellers.
As potential sellers, their most valuable pending unrestricted free agent is veteran forward Claude Giroux. Other speculative rumours, such as a proposed deal that would send prospects Xavier Bourgault and Jake Chiasson from Edmonton to Ottawa, highlight the kind of future-focused moves the organisation might consider if they opt to sell. The club has recent history with the “trade-and-extend” manoeuvre, having done so with goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Around the League
In other NHL news pertinent to the Senators’ schedule, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be without forward Bryan Rust for three games, including a matchup against Ottawa, after he received a suspension on January 27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the Ottawa Senators currently stand in the playoff race?
As of January 28, 2026, the Senators are 8th in the Atlantic Division with 55 points (24-21-7), sitting eight points out of the final Eastern Conference wild card position.
What is the Senators’ biggest weakness this season?
Statistical analysis points to defensive play and penalty killing as critical issues. The team allows 3.3 goals against per game (26th) and has the league’s worst penalty kill at 72.2%.
Will the Senators be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?
Their strategy remains fluid and is directly tied to their performance over the next few weeks. If they gain ground in the wild card race, they may look to add. If they fall further back, trading assets like pending UFA Claude Giroux becomes a likely scenario to acquire future capital.