Senators NHL Prospects: Next Steps This Season
- The Ottawa Senators are starting to arrive in Canada's capital city, eager for the opening of training camp next week and the chance to build on a season...
- After finishing as the first wild card from the Eastern Conference (45-30-7), general manager Steve Staios made subtle changes to the roster, acquiring defenseman Jordan Spence from the...
- The Senators faced the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs, losing the first three games before mounting a comeback with two consecutive wins.
Ottawa Senators Prepare for Training camp with Optimism
Table of Contents
Recent Performance and Playoff Run
The Ottawa Senators are starting to arrive in Canada’s capital city, eager for the opening of training camp next week and the chance to build on a season that saw them qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017.
After finishing as the first wild card from the Eastern Conference (45-30-7), general manager Steve Staios made subtle changes to the roster, acquiring defenseman Jordan Spence from the Los Angeles Kings and signing forward Lars Eller as an unrestricted free agent.
The Senators faced the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs, losing the first three games before mounting a comeback with two consecutive wins. Ultimately, their season ended in Game 6 with a 4-2 loss, despite a tying goal from forward David Perron.
Player Perspectives and Team Chemistry
“I think the next step is in our room,” forward Tim Stutzle said during the Senators’ Charity Open on Monday. “I’ve said many times I believe in this group, I believe in this core and the next step is in our room.”
“I think Steve has done a phenomenal job to kind of support our group and we’ve just got to take the next step. The young guys got to take the next step, and as a group we’ve got to take the next step as well. I think last year we showed that if we play the way we want to play, we’re a really good team.”
Stutzle also expressed continued belief in their playoff potential, stating, “During the playoffs, I still believe we had a chance to win that series. Now its just about us and what we can do in this room. I think that’s going to be really crucial, that we keep believing in this room and have a good start.”
Leadership and Future Outlook
Steve Staios, entering his second full season as GM, is confident in his young core, led by captain Brady Tkachuk (turning 26 on Sept. 16), Tim Stutzle (23), and defenseman