AnalysisSteve Staios is the general manager of the Senators. Bruce Bennett / Getty ImagesJune 26, 2026 6:00 am EDT Updated The Ottawa Senators have eight picks in the 2026 NHL Draft: Nos. 25, 32, 72, 87, 91, 110, 151, 183. Here’s what to expect.View from the beatRemember when it looked like the Sens would have no first-round pick in this year’s draft? They have two for now. Maybe the No. 25 pick is in play for a move, just like when they sent the No. 9 pick to San Jose for William Eklund. The Sens will pick at 32, not that they could trade it anyway. With either selection, the Sens should, if possible, target a skill-based prospect with offensive upside. Ottawa has hardworking forward prospects and some defensive talents. But it needs a prospect with a wicked shot and finishing ability. — Julian McKenziePronman’s team needsCarter Yakemchuk gives the Senators a high-skill, attack-first defenseman with a bullet shot, and they added Logan Hensler to the blue line in 2025. While they have youth on the back end, their forward pipeline is thin. Finding a legit center, or really any forward who can score, is the most pressing issue for this organization prospect-wise.
Names to watchIn recent mock drafts, Corey Pronman has projected the following picks:25. Nikita Klepov, RW32. Mans Gudmundsson, D72. Jayden Kurtz, D87. Jake Gustafson, C91. Doman Szongoth, C110. Vsevolod Matveyev, D151. Eric Frossard, D183. Måns Josbrant, LWJun 26, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
