NHL Rumor Roundup: What's Next For The Senators And Panthers After The Tkachuk Trade?
The NHL world is still abuzz over the Florida Panthers acquiring Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators.
It's the biggest move thus far in what could be a summer of blockbuster trades.
It also leaves fans and pundits wondering what's next for these two clubs.
Regardless of the reasons why the Senators traded Tkachuk, the move leaves them without a skilled top-six left winger. That's on top of their existing needs for a winger for center Tim Stutzle's line, a top-four, right-shot defenseman, and a backup goaltender.
The Trade Fallout: Another Deal Coming? And Who Will Replace Tkachuk As The Senators' Next Captain?
After the blockbuster Tkachuk deal, is another shoe about to drop? And who will be the next captain?
As for the Panthers, GM Bill Zito won't be resting on his laurels following the Tkachuk acquisition.
Goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov are due to become UFAs on July 1. The Panthers have just over $7 million in cap space for next season. Bobrovsky reportedly seeks a six- or seven-year contract worth $42 million, which could price him out of Florida.
David Dwork of The Hockey News indicated that Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets recently surfaced in the rumor mill. Given what the Panthers gave up for Tkachuk, Dwork considers it unlikely they have sufficient assets to acquire Hellebuyck. A more affordable trade option could be Jordan Binnington of the Blues.
Dwork also mentioned Devin Cooley of the Calgary Flames, but he's unlikely to be available. The Flames signed him to a two-year extension last December to back up Dustin Wolf. A free-agent option could be Penguins netminder Stuart Skinner.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 7:42 AM.