The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for the upcoming NHL season, with a focus on bolstering their offensive firepower. General Manager Steve Staios expressed a desire to add a pure sniper to the team, acknowledging the need for an improvement in that area. The Senators' offensive prowess was evident last season, ranking eighth in goals scored with 275, a significant increase from the previous campaign. However, the departure of Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers has left a void in the team's scoring depth.
To address this, the Senators acquired William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks, hoping he will become a top-six forward. Eklund, a playmaker, has shown potential with 15-17 goals in his first three full NHL seasons, but his primary strength lies in his playmaking abilities. Additionally, the team strengthened their offense by signing Andre Burakovsky, a two-time 20-goal scorer, from the Chicago Blackhawks. These moves indicate a strategic shift towards a more balanced and potent attack.
The Senators' cap space of under $4.2MM provides flexibility for further enhancements. Staios anticipates a secondary market where they can explore opportunities to improve the team. One potential addition is Vladimir Tarasenko, a top scorer on the open market, who had a successful stint with the Senators last season, accumulating 41 points in 57 games. Other options include Michael Bunting and Eeli Tolvanen, both capable of scoring 20 goals in a season, and Patrik Laine, who has a proven track record in goal-scoring.
The team's attention also turns to contract extensions for key players. Wingers Drake Batherson and defenseman Artem Zub are entering the final year of their deals and are eligible for extensions. Batherson, with a $4.975MM cap charge, has consistently surpassed the 60-point mark in recent years, making him a valuable asset. Zub, a 30-year-old defenseman, had a career year offensively with 30 points, and his health is crucial to his performance. The Senators are willing to extend both players, with an eight-year deal on the table, but the new CBA will limit contract lengths to seven years for re-signing players.
Goaltending is another area of interest. James Reimer, an unrestricted free agent, was replaced midseason by Leevi Merilainen, who is now waiver-eligible. Samuel Ersson was brought in as Linus Ullmark's backup, suggesting the team's willingness to carry three goaltenders to start the season. This strategy aims to protect the young Merilainen from the risks of waivers. The Senators' goaltending situation remains fluid, with the potential for changes as the season approaches.
