Times are not good for hockey fans in Canada’s capital. This past season, the Ottawa Senators extended their playoff drought to seven years, finishing with a losing record for the sixth time in those seven years. However, general manager Steve Staios has been hard at work this summer trying to put together a team that can end that playoff drought. Staios and the Senators have certainly made some bold moves, but will it be enough? To answer that question, let’s take a closer look at some of Ottawa’s offseason moves.
Trading for Linus Ullmark
This was undoubtedly the biggest addition the Senators have made this offseason. They paid a big price to acquire Ullmark from Boston, giving up a first-round pick, Mark Kastelic, and former goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. But it was a move that had to be done after Ottawa’s struggles between the pipes last season. In 2023, Ullmark was an all-star and the Vezina Trophy winner. He gives Ottawa’s defense a huge boost and a goalie who will be capable of carrying the team on his back at times.
Traded for Nick Jensen
The Senators doubled down on defensive improvements by trading for Nick Jensen. Trading away Jakob Chychrun to the Capitals to acquire Jensen wasn’t easy, although Chychrun was more expendable than you might think. Jensen brings a lot more value to the table right now than Chychrun did because the Senators have other options on the left side. Ottawa’s defense now looks a lot more balanced with Jensen also adding a much-needed veteran presence.
Signing Michael Amadio
Adding Amadio as a free-agent on a three-year, $7.8 million deal was Ottawa’s biggest addition in free agency. He briefly spent time with the Senators a few years ago but spent the last three years with the Golden Knights, helping Las Vegas win the Stanley Cup in 2023. Amadio adds quality depth and leadership to the Senators, not to mention a wing who can hold his own defensively. The fact that he knows what it takes to win a Stanley Cup is also a huge bonus for an Ottawa team that still needs to learn how to win.
Signing David Perron
The addition of Perron was also a key move for the Senators in free agency. He’s a much older winger than Amadio, but the fact that Ottawa pursued the 36-year-old is a sign that the Senators think they’re close to competing for a playoff spot. Despite just 17 goals last season, Perron still looks like he’s capable of scoring 20-plus goals, so he’ll add scoring depth to Ottawa’s roster. Like Amadio, the former all-star has won a Stanley Cup, meaning he’ll be a positive influence in trying to change Ottawa’s culture and create a winning environment.
Overall Assessment
Chances are, the Senators won’t stand out as having one of the best offseasons in the NHL this year. However, Ottawa deserves a solid B grade for what the team has accomplished and added to the roster. The Senators will be much more formidable defensively with an upgrade at goalie. They’ve also improved the overall depth on the roster while also adding veterans who are proven winners. Even if they aren’t a bonafide Stanley Cup contender just yet, the Senators will be more competitive next season and fascinating to watch when the new season gets underway.
When that happens, hockey fans should look for Ontario sports betting promos. Many of Canada’s sportsbooks offer lucrative bonuses and promos with things naturally ramping up during hockey season. That should make Ottawa’s 2024-25 campaign even more fascinating to watch.
Photo: Steve Staios courtesy Sportsnet