OTTAWA — The off-season has officially begun for the Ottawa Senators.
General Manager Steve Staios stated after the 2024-25 season that the team had made a solid “first step,” but acknowledged that the subsequent leap – becoming a championship contender – is the most challenging.
Here`s a detailed look at what should be on Ottawa`s off-season “to-do” list:
Top Priority
There`s room for significant debate on whether Ottawa`s primary objective should be acquiring a top-six winger or a top-four right-shot defenceman.
Let`s examine the argument for a right-shot defenceman and explore potential targets.
The Senators` first-round exit against the Toronto Maple Leafs highlighted Toronto`s superior defense. Acquiring a defenseman through free agency or trade would significantly bolster Ottawa`s blue line, potentially making it one of the league`s best.
Compounding the issue are concerns that Nick Jensen might need surgery, which would leave a significant void on the right side of the defense. While Carter Yakemchuk is a prospect who could help in 2-3 years, his production in his most recent WHL season was lower than in his draft year.
Although the Senators ranked 18th in goals scored this past season, their offensive core, excluding veterans Claude Giroux and David Perron, consists entirely of players under 26. This young group – including Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, Ridly Greig, Shane Pinto, Drake Batherson, and Fabian Zetterlund – has considerable potential for offensive growth. In contrast, the right side of the defense features Artem Zub and Jensen, both over 30, and Nikolas Matinpalo, who recently signed a two-year contract but is unlikely to become a top-four defenseman.
So, what are the potential options?
In free agency, Aaron Ekblad is the prominent name. The 29-year-old Barrie Colts alumnus is known for his size, physicality, and winning pedigree. The Senators possess $17 million in cap space; while signing Ekblad would consume roughly half of that, the prospect of defensive pairings like Jake Sanderson-Ekblad and Thomas Chabot-Zub is enticing. Investing a significant amount in a player of his caliber appears justifiable.
Regrettably, the free-agent market for right-shot defensemen is quite thin beyond Ekblad, suggesting that a trade might be necessary.
A name frequently mentioned on the trade rumour mill is Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who is entering the final year of his contract. Andersson experienced a less productive season, partly due to playing through a fractured fibula.
While extending Andersson might involve an overpayment, the advantageous, undervalued contracts of key players like Stutzle, Sanderson, and Tkachuk provide Ottawa with the financial flexibility to make such a move.
A complication is that the Senators forfeited their first-round picks this year and next as punishment for the mishandled Evgenii Dadonov trade. Furthermore, Calgary also lacks a first-rounder this season, and Ottawa reportedly intends to keep their 21st overall pick, presenting obstacles to a potential trade involving high draft capital.
Should acquiring a right-shot defenseman prove too difficult, Staios could shift focus to finding a top-six winger, a position with more potential options available in free agency.
Mitch Marner? Now that would be interesting.
More realistically, Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers stands out as a prime target for Ottawa. The Senators` recent series against Toronto exposed their need for more dynamic offensive punch. While the overall play was competitive, Toronto`s star players consistently created scoring chances from difficult situations, ultimately making the difference. Ehlers offers exceptional stickhandling, a strong shot, and speed that could make him a formidable force, particularly when paired with Tim Stutzle.