Report: Sens have untouchables but are 'open for business'

If there was any doubt the Ottawa Senators would be active ahead of the upcoming NHL trade deadline, it can be put to rest.

The Senators have untouchable players but are "open for business," league executives told Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.

Ottawa forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and Dominik Kubalik are prime candidates to be dealt before March 8 because of their status as pending unrestricted free agents. Tarasenko has a $5-million cap hit, while Kubalik's figure is half of that, according to CapFriendly.

The Senators have reportedly listened to teams interested in defenseman Jakub Chychrun, who they acquired in a swap with the Arizona Coyotes last spring. Chychrun called the report "ridiculous" when asked about it in January. The blue-liner, who'll turn 26 on March 31, is under contract through 2024-25 with a $4.6-million cap hit.

Ottawa might not just be a seller, though. The Sens were reportedly one of the teams interested in Calgary Flames rearguard Chris Tanev, who is among the most coveted deadline targets.

In terms of untouchables, Ottawa has eight players signed through at least 2026-27. Team captain Brady Tkachuk (2027-28), Tim Stutzle (2030-31), Josh Norris (2029-30), Drake Batherson (2026-27), Thomas Chabot (2027-28), Artem Zub (2026-27), Jake Sanderson (2031-32), and Joonas Korpisalo (27-28) are all inked long term.

The Senators entered Saturday sitting second last in the Atlantic Division by points percentage. They have the fewest points in the group but three games in hand on the Montreal Canadiens, who have one more point.