The Ottawa Senators are currently the top Canadian team in the NHL, holding a playoff position as of Tuesday morning. This comes after a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, which concluded their California road trip. The Senators are the only Canadian team in a playoff spot, while the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, and Winnipeg Jets are close behind. In contrast, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Calgary Flames face significant challenges to secure a playoff berth this season.

With American Thanksgiving approaching, a critical point in the NHL season is upon us. Traditionally, teams not in playoff contention by this time face long odds of making the postseason. As the season progresses, the gap between contenders and non-contenders is widening, leading to an increase in trade discussions.

Recent reports indicate that the St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators are open to trading players for the right price. The Vancouver Canucks have also entered the trade market, signaling their willingness to part with veterans. They have communicated to other NHL teams that they are open for business regarding their unrestricted free agents.

Steve Staios, the Senators' president of hockey operations and general manager, has been actively seeking an impactful forward and defenseman since last May. After failing to make significant moves during free agency in July, the Senators have relied on their current roster, which has shown resilience with a record of 10-4-4 over their last 18 games.

One player drawing interest is forward Kiefer Sherwood, who has had a strong start to the season with 12 goals and 16 points in 23 games. His contract, worth $1.5 million in its final year, makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their lineup.

The Canucks are also considering trading winger Jake DeBrusk, who has eight goals and 12 points this season. DeBrusk is under contract through the 2030-31 season at an average annual value of $5.5 million. However, he has a 15-team no-trade clause, complicating potential deals. The Senators previously expressed interest in Canucks forward Brock Boeser, but his high salary and full no-move clause make a trade unlikely.

The Senators face challenges in making significant trades due to the loss of their first-round pick next spring, a penalty from a previous trade involving Evgenii Dadonov. As they prepare to face the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, the Senators are looking to maintain their momentum.

In positive news for the Senators, captain Brady Tkachuk is nearing a return from thumb surgery. Coach Travis Green stated that Tkachuk will be back "sooner rather than later," with expectations for him to play against the St. Louis Blues on Friday. This marks six weeks since his surgery, aligning with the recovery timeline provided by the team.

While the Senators have performed well without Tkachuk, their power play has struggled, converting only 8.8% of opportunities since late October. Tkachuk's return is anticipated to provide a significant boost to the team.

However, the Senators may be without alternate captain Thomas Chabot, who is day-to-day after re-injuring himself against the San Jose Sharks. Reports suggest he may have returned home for further evaluation by team doctors. As the Senators navigate these challenges, they remain focused on maintaining their playoff position and exploring potential trades to enhance their roster.