We are currently at the midpoint of the NHL Summer Splash series by Hockey News, with the Ottawa Senators ranked 17th.
These rankings assess all NHL teams based on their offseason moves involving additions, signings, hirings, and departures, analyzing which teams improved, declined, or maintained their status.
The Senators made minimal changes in the offseason but secured a significant business move by re-signing star center Claude Giroux at a bargain $2 million salary. This deal allows Team President Steve Staios to retain considerable cap space—strategically holding $4.29 million—as he plans future maneuvers.
This approach has helped the Senators boost their roster depth while maintaining cap flexibility, indicating Staios is managing the team’s finances and roster well.
Additions:
Key new players include Lars Eller, Arthur Kaliyev, and rookie defenseman Jordan Spence. Despite a first-round playoff exit to the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, the management remains committed to the core team. Staios has not gone heavy on acquisitions but introduced rookies like Kaliyev and Spence, with particular excitement around Spence’s potential to move from a third defense pairing to a top-four role.
Departures:
The Senators lost several players, notably Adam Gaudette, who had a career-best 19-goal season last year and signed with the San Jose Sharks. Although his scoring average was modest, the Senators will miss his offensive contribution. The team’s key stars—Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, and Dylan Cozens—need to elevate their game to help the Senators become a consistent playoff contender. The addition of Spence, Kaliyev, and Eller aims to deepen the roster, while cap space remains available for potential strategic trades or signings before the season starts or at the trading deadline.
Conclusion:
Ottawa boasts a talented, motivated, and resolute team. Coach Travis Green’s challenge is to instill confidence and structure that will maximize his young stars’ performance. Competing in the tough Atlantic Division alongside strong teams like Toronto, Florida, and Tampa Bay makes the climb to playoff success even more dramatic. With solid goaltending from Linus Ullmark and Leevi Merilainen and ongoing development of young talent, the Senators appear poised to be playoff contenders.
Staios still has room to maneuver with cap space, a valuable asset for injury cover and talent additions throughout the season. While Ottawa ranked mid-tier in this summer splash review, their minimal offseason changes don’t signal a lack of ambition but rather a strategic patience that could pay off. This could well be the Senators’ best season in recent years.
Summer Splash Rankings Snapshot:
16. Ottawa Senators
17. Boston Bruins
18. Edmonton Oilers
19. Minnesota Wild
20. Seattle Kraken
…and continuing down to 32.
Fan Take:
This analysis highlights the Senators’ cautious yet promising approach to building their roster, which should intrigue fans eager to see young stars develop under a retooled yet stable lineup. Hockey enthusiasts will want to watch how Ottawa’s strategic cap management and player development impact their ability to compete in one of the NHL’s toughest divisions this season.
