OTTAWA – General Manager Steve Staios of the Ottawa Senators demonstrated his leadership this off-season through decisive actions rather than mere pronouncements.
Staios opted for “minimal changes” during the recent off-season. His subtle adjustments included acquiring Jordan Spence to bolster the right side of the defensive lineup and veteran Lars Eller to secure the fourth-line center position.
“I have strong confidence in this group; that`s unequivocally clear,” Staios affirmed to reporters at the Senators` annual charity golf tournament on Monday.
It`s notable that Ottawa recently qualified for the playoffs and is set to enter the upcoming season as the league`s tenth-youngest team, as per Elite Prospects.
Staios further elaborated, stating, “Upon an honest assessment of our team, considering their performance after the trade deadline and their development during the first round of the playoffs, as a manager, observing that growth instills optimism in bringing this core group back.”
The Senators also anticipate that 19-year-old Carter Yakemchuk might integrate into the team faster than expected, making his potential role in General Manager Staios`s and Head Coach Travis Green`s system a compelling narrative for training camp.
However, Yakemchuk`s performance in the WHL last season was considered moderate.
Regarding Yakemchuk`s objectives for the season, Staios emphasized, “We expect him to arrive with the ambition of making the main roster as a young player, and we will assess his progress. He will ultimately determine his place. We evaluate these young players based on their developmental stage, and while we are highly encouraged by his advancements, we also recognize the significant talent ceiling he possesses.”
Should Yakemchuk earn a spot on Ottawa`s roster following training camp, it will be due to an exceptional pre-season. This would significantly enrich Ottawa`s already strong contingent of young talent, which includes Jake Sanderson, Tim Stutzle, Ridly Greig, and other players under 25.
Despite limited assets and salary cap flexibility this off-season, Staios successfully enhanced the team, at least on paper, with the additions of Spence and Eller.
Staios`s strategy is predicated on the belief that a young Senators squad, having finally reached the playoffs (and benefited from minor yet impactful acquisitions), will not experience a regression as its players approach their prime.
“I believe the next advancement will come from within our locker room. Our young players must take that next crucial step,” commented Tim Stutzle.
Stutzle added, “Certainly, we are a youthful team, but we cannot perpetually rely on that as an excuse. We simply need to advance, and that is our imperative this year. Everyone is also a year more experienced, and having experienced the playoffs, we understand what it takes to qualify. We must demonstrate that commitment daily.”
