I didn't mean to imply that statement was invalid. It's just already known, and it's not like Palat is... Malkin or anything.
Most teams are going to want one of Forsberg, Gaudreau, Giroux, or Hertl. I just think targeting a "tier 2" guy like Palat or Rakell is worth a shot over giving up a top pick for a slight upgrade to one of them. There's other guys too like R.Smith for example. This UFA crop is pretty deep for forwards.
Palat and R.Smith are going to be 31 in a month. I'd be extremely leery of giving term to guys over 30 if I'm Ottawa, given the hopeful cup window is still a couple of years away. On the flipside is Garland, who is locked up for his age 26, 27, 28 and 29 seasons. He'll be younger when his contract is up than either one of Palat or Smith are right now.
I understand your logic, early on in a rebuild that's the likely way you want to build. But at this stage the Senators have one of the best prospect pools in the league to go along with one of the betters U22 cores. They need to be adding pieces who will be here (and at their most productive) in 2+ years time. It's not necessarily a cut and dry decision, as I think a Palat or Smith could help this team, but banking on being able to bring in an FA who A) can actually help and B) not break the bank isn't something the Sens can do very often.