As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaches, Ottawa Senators' General Manager Steve Staios and head scout Don Boyd have been discussing their strategy for the 21st overall pick. With the draft just hours away, the Senators' approach remains somewhat of a mystery, with various mock drafts suggesting different players for Ottawa.

Staios has indicated a willingness to trade down from the 21st pick to acquire more draft capital, but not to trade up, considering the team's current draft capital. This suggests a strategic flexibility, depending on how the early selections unfold and which players are still available when their turn comes. Boyd has stated that the Senators have narrowed their focus to around 16-18 players and are confident that they will be able to find a talented player at pick 21. He emphasized the importance of hockey sense and skill level in their evaluation process. Boyd also joked about how the team's draft board is constantly changing leading up to the draft.

When it comes to the type of player the Senators are targeting, size is a factor, but not the only one. Staios has said that character, hockey sense, and skill are the primary qualities they seek. However, if those qualities are equal between a smaller and a bigger player, the Senators would likely lean towards the bigger player.

Several prospects have been mentioned as potential targets for the Senators. These include:

• Malcolm Spence: A 6-foot-1, 203-pound left winger from the Erie Otters (OHL), Spence is viewed as a two-way player who can kill penalties and provide secondary offense.
• Jack Nesbitt: A 6-foot-4, 185-pound center from the Windsor Spitfires (OHL).
• Cameron Reid: A strong-skating, intelligent defenseman from the Kitchener Rangers (OHL). In 67 games, Reid scored 14 goals and 40 assists.
• Logan Hensler: A defenseman from the University of Wisconsin (NCAA) known for his skating ability.
• Ben Kindel: At 5'10", the Calgary Hitmen (WHL) centreman had 99 points in 65 games this year.

Other potential top prospects in the draft include Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, James Hagens, Anton Frondell, Porter Martone, and Caleb Desnoyers. Matthew Schaefer is a defenceman praised for his hockey sense and skating.

Staios has also addressed the future of veteran forward Claude Giroux, stating that the team wants him back. However, if Giroux returns, he will have to earn his place in the top-six. If Giroux does not return, Staios will have over $10 million in cap space to work with.

Ultimately, the Senators' draft strategy will depend on how the first 20 picks play out. Staios and Boyd have expressed confidence in their ability to find a valuable player at No. 21, whether it be by staying put or trading down. The focus will be on selecting a player with the right combination of skill, character, and hockey sense to contribute to the Senators' future success.