The Ottawa Senators are one of the few teams in the NHL on then rise. They are a good team with a solid foundation but always end up near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. With the Senators in the playoff race, should general manager Steve Staios pull the trigger on a massive deal? Or should he stay put and have faith in the group he currently has?
Senators, Staios have roster questions
Ottawa has a projected cap space of $16.77 million for the 2025-26 season. After this season, they have unrestricted free agents (UFA) Claude Giroux, Nick Cousins, Matthew Highmore, Adam Gaudette, and Anton Forsberg.
The only restricted free agent (RFA) is Noah Gregor. Most of these roster players are depth, bottom-six players except Giroux and Gaudette. This has been an area of concern for Ottawa and one reason why they cannot climb out of their playoff hole. They need more scoring from the bottom-six and maybe another top-six player if the deal is right. A depth defensemen could be added also.
Is goaltending an issue?
The Senators acquired Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins in the hopes of making the playoffs as that was meant to be the missing piece. He started out playing well but ran into injury issues. Forsberg also played well but he is more suited for a backup role.
With Ullmark injuries possibly a concern can Forsberg shoulder the load or will Staios go out and acquire a goaltender more suited to be a number one goaltender? Could we see Ullmark on the move?
Ottawa is currently holding the first wild card spot with 62 points, one point ahead of the Detroit Red Wings. The Senators have played one more game than Detroit so they hold a slim advantage.
Staios is new to the job and has not yet made a move of significance. Would this be the time for him to step up and acquire a major piece, or pieces? Ottawa is not that far from a wild card spot and a move or two could put them right back into a regular playoff spot.
This team is both young and good, something we do not see enough of. However, they could use help at all positions. The top two lines are producing and should not be touched, but the bottom-six could use some refining.
Staios may want to see more of the Ullmark and Forsberg duo before he makes a move. When healthy, Ullmark can be a difference maker and Forsberg is solid as a backup. If a deal comes along where any position can be upgraded Staios will make a move. In a tight Atlantic Division, goaltending can be the difference between a Stanley Cup and missing the playoffs.
The Senators are one point above a Red Wings team that is hot and could surpass them in the standings. This has been a good year for the young Senators team and they do not have a lot of time to prove they belong. A big test to pass in a short amount if time. Staios and the Senators have something to prove. Now is the time to do so.