In the world of hockey, off-season buzz often focuses on major trades or star free agents changing teams, especially if they`re leaving places like Toronto.
However, in Ottawa, this summer was characterized by a balanced, thoughtful, and generally quiet approach. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, on the 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, aptly summarized the off-season strategy of Ottawa Senators General Manager Steve Staios, saying he “hit a bunch of singles.”
Consider the Toronto Blue Jays in baseball. Apart from the notable exception of George Springer, they often find success by consistently hitting singles rather than relying solely on home runs. This steady accumulation of singles tends to lead to consistent wins.
Staios successfully achieved his main off-season objectives: He managed to re-sign Claude Giroux following somewhat tense negotiations, ultimately securing a contract that offers excellent value. He also brought in Jordan Spence, a much-needed right-shot defenseman capable of moving the puck, acquired using a pick gained by trading down just two spots in the first round. Additionally, he signed Lars Eller to be the fourth-line center, adding a player skilled in penalty killing and face-offs.
The Senators team is objectively stronger than it was last season, demonstrating that what matters is the improvement itself, regardless of whether it comes through splashy moves or calculated smaller steps.
DEPTH CHART
Forwards
Tkachuk — Stutzle — Giroux
Zetterlund — Cozens — Batherson
Greig — Pinto — Perron
Cousins — Eller — Amadio
Defence
Sanderson — Zub
Chabot — Jensen*
Kleven — Spence
Matinpalo — Yakemchuk**
*Jensen underwent off-season hip surgery and is not expected to be ready for the start of the season.
**Yakemchuk has a chance to make the roster if he impresses during training camp, or potentially later in the season with Belleville.
Goal
Ullmark
Merilainen
Sogaard
Cap Information
Total forward cap hits: $51,355,714
Total defence cap hits: $28,675,000
Total goalie cap hits: $9,300,000
Cap space remaining: $4,294,286
