Ottawa Senators Offseason Review

The Ottawa Senators entered the 2025 offseason determined to build on a 45-30-7 campaign that ended in a first-round playoff exit. With a core of high-performing forwards, productive defensemen, and a competitive goaltending duo, management moved quickly to address gaps and add depth. Strategic trades, targeted signings, and internal promotions have shaped what could be their strongest roster in years.

Performance Last Season

Brady Tkachuk delivered one of his most complete campaigns, setting a franchise record with four overtime goals while surpassing the 400-point mark for his career. Tim Stützle maintained his role as the club’s top playmaker, breaking the team record for longest assist streak and reaching both his 100th career goal and 300th point. Jake Sanderson established new career highs with 57 points from the blue line and capped his season with an overtime playoff winner.

In goal, Linus Ullmark recorded four shutouts across the regular season and playoffs, and Leevi Meriläinen impressed in his twelve appearances by posting three shutouts and a goals-against average under 2.00. The depth chart provided steady support, with Drake Batherson producing a natural hat trick, Dylan Cozens hitting his 200th career point shortly after his arrival, and Shane Pinto achieving both his 200th game and 100th career point on the same night.

The Senators finished 45-30-7 with 97 points, securing the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. They scored 267 non-shootout deciding goals and allowed 234 goals, which was a 47-goal defensive improvement over the previous season. Their record against Toronto in the regular season was a perfect 3-0-0. Ottawa’s physical style was evident as Brady Tkachuk led the team with 228 hits, and their goaltending, anchored by Linus Ullmark (25-14-3, 2.72 GAA, .910 save percentage), provided stability throughout the year. Backup Anton Forsberg added 11 wins and a .901 save percentage, giving the Senators one of the most reliable tandems they’ve had in years.

Expectations Next Season

Management views this roster as the strongest since 2017-18, with a balance of established leaders and developing talent. Steve Staios has pointed out that the group is taking greater control of its own progression, while management focuses on selective additions. The arrival of Jordan Spence should give the third pairing more stability, Carter Yakemchuk is expected to compete for a place on the blue line, and Leevi Meriläinen’s permanent move to the NHL sets up a steady goaltending tandem with Linus Ullmark.

Ottawa enters 2025–26 looking to build on its defensive improvement, cutting goals against from 281 to 234. Linus Ullmark’s late-season surge and Meriläinen’s arrival promise stability in goal. With Brady Tkachuk’s physical leadership, a deeper blue line, and strong results against top rivals, the Senators aim to solidify themselves as a playoff regular.

Supporters keep a close watch on the team across various channels, following trades, training camp developments, and preseason form. Within that same culture of following the game closely, some turn to expert assessments of leading platforms, which review betting markets, odds, and promotional offers. Among these, the 1xBet Bonus is often highlighted as one of the most rewarding in Canada. References like this are part of the broader conversation that surrounds the season, blending the on-ice story with the ways people connect to the sport off the ice.

Important Trades

The Senators made several moves to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. Defenseman Jordan Spence arrived from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a third-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026. Spence led Kings defensemen in on-ice goals-for percentage at even strength last year and recorded a career-high 28 points.

Lars Eller joined on a one-year contract, expected to centre a fourth line with veterans Nick Cousins and David Perron. Eller brings playoff experience and a defensively sound game. Ottawa also acquired Arthur Kaliyev on a one-year, two-way deal, giving them flexibility for depth scoring options. The departures included Adam Gaudette, who signed with San Jose after a career-high 19-goal season, and Anton Forsberg, who joined Los Angeles.

Roster Rumours

Speculation around Ottawa’s offseason has been relatively quiet compared to other Canadian teams. There is reported interest in forward Jack Roslovic, while whispers suggest veteran winger Max Pacioretty could be on the radar as a short-term depth addition. The focus appears to remain on targeted, value-driven acquisitions rather than sweeping roster changes.

Elsewhere in the league, high-profile names such as Connor McDavid, Mason McTavish, and Dougie Hamilton are drawing attention, but there is no indication Ottawa is involved in those conversations.

Reflection on the Offseason

The Senators have positioned themselves to contend for more than a brief playoff appearance. The moves this summer reflect a calculated approach that balances immediate competitiveness with longer-term development. Performance last year confirmed that the team’s top players can produce under pressure, and the added depth aims to sustain that across an 82-game season.

Ottawa’s adjustments in defense, the steadying presence in goal, and a maturing offensive core create a foundation that could shift the team’s standing in a tightly contested division. The months ahead will reveal whether the careful shaping of the roster translates into results that match the ambition.

Photo: Courtesy USA Today