Don’t look now, but the Ottawa Senators are coming for your team’s playoff spot.
It’s been a while since the Sens have been relevant in any playoff race. Since losing in double overtime in Game 7 of the 2017 Eastern Conference Final, Ottawa has not finished higher than sixth in their division in any season.
With that said, it feels as though the tide is turning for the Senators. Captain Brady Tkachuk is under contract for the next six seasons, as is defenseman Thomas Chabot. Neither player is older than 25, giving Ottawa two cornerstones for years to come.
24-year-old Drake Batherson, who finished fourth on the team in points last season with 44, is signed for the next five years. His deal further cements the foundation that the organization has laid since moving on from key pieces of that 2017 roster.
The Ottawa Senators are ready to compete.
Of course, if the Sens hope to return to the postseason in 2023, this offseason will be extremely important. The team got off to a great start on Thursday when it acquired forward Alex DeBrincat from the free-falling Chicago Blackhawks.
That trade gives the Senators a young forward that has proven he is capable of scoring (41 goals and 78 points last year). He fits Ottawa’s plan perfectly and gets the franchise that much closer to its first playoff appearance in six seasons.
Looking ahead this summer, re-signing forward Josh Norris should be the top priority. He finished last season with 55 points, and his 35 goals led the Senators.
From there, it will be important for Ottawa to make a splash in free agency, and according to Pierre LeBrun, that could come in the form of Claude Giroux.
Still lots to play out over the next 6-7 days obviously, but I do believe the Ottawa Senators will emerge has a legitimate option, among other teams, for Claude Giroux when the market opens next Wednesday. I think the Sens will put their best foot forward in trying to sign him.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 7, 2022
With the players listed above, as well as others, like Tim Stutzle (58 points) and Connor Brown (39 points), in place for the Senators, one or two more key moves could make this a scary group in the 2022-2023 season.
The biggest question mark at this point will be in goal. Will Ottawa attempt to trade Matt Murray? Will the front office go out and try to sign or trade for a new starter? Could we see Anton Forsberg or Filip Gustavsson claim the starting gig?
Regardless of exactly how everything shakes out for the Senators in the coming weeks, I expect this team to be a true contender in the Eastern Conference playoff race this season.