The Ottawa Senators have announced their roster for the upcoming 2026-27 training camp, listing 57 players. The camp kicked off Wednesday at the Canadian Tire Centre and Bell Sensplex, featuring seven goaltenders, 18 defensemen, and 32 forwards. Players underwent medical checks on the first day, with on-ice practices starting the following day. Notably, this year’s camp is shorter than usual, and the league has eliminated fitness testing due to new CBA regulations.
Senators winger Drake Batherson expressed confidence about securing an extension with Ottawa, emphasizing his loyalty. With the regular season less than two weeks away and an expanded 84-game schedule approaching, the preseason has been condensed into five exhibition games over three dates. The roster is heavily composed of players with NHL contracts—14 forwards, six defensemen, and three goalies—leaving limited spots available, which reduces chances for those on the fringe to impress evaluators through game time.
Among the few uncertain cases is Carter Yakemchuk, a promising young defenseman among Ottawa’s top prospects. To remain in the NHL, he will need to secure a spot in the top six defensemen, which is unlikely to be kept sitting in the press box regularly. The new CBA also prohibits fitness testing, meaning no TV shots of players undergoing grueling bike sessions or similar routines. The Senators’ roster features a mix of experienced veterans and young prospects, including 13 former first-round picks and 27 drafted players from Ottawa, with others added through free agency, trades, or tryouts.
Most of the camp invites have played at least one game with Ottawa last season, with some having experience on other NHL teams. A notable new addition is Vadim Zherenko, a 25-year-old Russian goalie with four years in Springfield’s AHL team, providing additional depth in net. Due to the squad’s composition, some prospects like Leevi Meriläinen may need to clear waivers to stay in the AHL or face potential reassignment.
Projected NHL roster players include key figures such as Thomas Chabot, Jake Sanderson, Tim Stützle, and Drake Batherson among the defensemen and forwards, with several others competing for limited spots. The goalies listed include Linus Ullmark and Samuel Ersson, with others like Zherenko and Parsons vying for backup roles. The roster features a blend of established stars and emerging talent, reflecting Ottawa’s effort to build a competitive core.
This information was first published by The Hockey News, offering insight into the Senators’ plans and prospects for the upcoming season. As fans look ahead to training camp, roster battles and player development will be crucial for Ottawa’s success and for the excitement of the upcoming hockey season.
Fan Take: This roster reveal is exciting because it highlights the depth and potential of the Senators’ young core, sparking hope among fans for a competitive season. It also underscores the importance of proper development and roster decisions, which could shape the team’s future success in the NHL.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
