Senators’ bittersweet exit signals new era in Ottawa
Locker cleanout day for the Ottawa Senators this year wasn’t the same as those of years past. Typically, it’s been a bitter day for the players. But after taking a massive step forward this season, there’s finally something to feel sweet about as well.
OTTAWA — Locker cleanout day for the Ottawa Senators this year wasn’t the same as those of years past.
Typically, it’s been a bitter day for the players. But after taking massive steps forward throughout the 2024-25 season and returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs following an eight-year hiatus, there was finally something to feel sweet about as well.
Make no mistake, however, the ending still left a sour taste.
“Still not over it,” said captain Brady Tkachuk on Saturday. “To be honest with you, still wish we were playing game seven tonight.”
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After finally experiencing what a playoff environment has to offer, the Senators’ young core of Tim Stutzle, Jake Sanderson and Tkachuk has made it clear that they’d like to keep indulging.
“It’s almost addicting to be able to play in front of that atmosphere,” said Tkachuk.
Stutzle added that “it’s probably the most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey.”
Moving forward, the Senators will have the kind of playoff experience they lacked before pushing the Toronto Maple Leafs to six games in the first round.
“It was a good learning experience for all of us to live it for the first time,” said Thomas Chabot.
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Ottawa’s next step will be making a habit of trips to the post-season, aiming to make more noise each time.
“Big step forward for a team in the organization this year, and trying to get to the mentality as soon as possible to not be satisfied and keep moving forward,” said David Perron.
“Because the next (step) is probably going to be a little bit harder, but in a good way.”
The Atlantic Division will be loaded next season, with all eight teams believing they each have a somewhat realistic chance of making the playoffs. And while there are no certainties in the NHL, this year’s odyssey for the Senators inspired confidence in the organization. The kind that just might be sustainable.
What it also did was quiet down rumours of their captain leaving.
“Obviously, it’s a lie. All those articles, stories, it’s just not true,” Tkachuk said about trade speculation surrounding him.
“I want to play here. I want to be here, and I really believe in everybody in this organization that everybody wants to win here.”
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Exiting 2024-25 and looking forward to the 2025-26 season, there likely won’t be as many rumours swirling or a general sense of dread that followed the end of the Senators’ campaigns in the past.
There will, however, still be some question marks. First comes the uncertainty surrounding the future of Claude Giroux. Ottawa’s “big brother,” as Shane Pinto describes, is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The 37-year-old doesn’t seem to have any interest in retiring either.
“I feel like I have a lot left in the tank. I’m loving hockey right now,” said Giroux.
The veteran leader and Senators general manager Steve Staios haven’t discussed a new contract as of yet.
“It’s still early. I haven’t given it any thoughts,” Giroux explained. “I haven’t really talked to Steve yet. I love the players, the fans, the city. This year is the most fun I’ve had in a few years.”
Unsurprisingly, Giroux’s teammates would like to see him return as well.
“Obviously I want him to stick around,” Stutzle said when asked about his linemate. “I think I can speak for everyone on the team. We are really lucky to have him.”
Even new Senator Dylan Cozens has enjoyed building a relationship with Giroux in his short time in Ottawa.
“He’s always chirping and giving it to me, and I’ll give it back.”
It’ll likely come down to whether Giroux takes a hometown discount or tests free agency. Giroux has proven to be a capable player still, racking up 50 points this season, finishing fifth on the Senators in scoring while nabbing five points in six playoff games.
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But it’s not just Giroux’s future that is unresolved.
Ottawa will have many free agents, both restricted and unrestricted, to decide on with their $18 million in cap space.
Let’s go through what some of those Senators said about their futures in Ottawa, starting with post-season standout Tyler Kleven, whose poise, physicality and general hockey IQ were all on display against Toronto.
Kleven said he hadn’t spoken to Staios about a contract but does want to stay in the nation’s capital.
“I love the city of Ottawa. They’ve been so good to me for the last couple of years.”
As a restricted free agent with no arbitration rights, the Senators could bridge Kleven or try to extend him long-term on what could be a team-friendly contract if he continues to flourish.
Meanwhile, Fabian Zetterlund, who was acquired at the deadline, had a simple answer about his future in Ottawa as a restricted free agent.
“You can talk to Steve,” said Zetterlund. While adding, he’d “love” to stay in Ottawa shortly after.
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How Staios handles both players this summer will be an interesting case study into who the GM believes should be part of the core moving forward.
Pinto, who is extension-eligible, also voiced his desire to stick around.
“Obviously I love being here. Love the boys. We’re building something special.”
Meanwhile, Adam Gaudette believes he’s “in a good spot to earn a decent contract” after his year with the Sens, which could put him out of Ottawa’s price range.
We also learned about the various injuries that the Senators played through during the playoffs. Tkachuk revealed he wasn’t playing at 100 per cent due to a hip issue and an upper-body injury.
“Now it’s just (taking) the time to get that all healed up,” said the captain. “It could heal up in the next couple of weeks.”
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The most worrisome news came regarding Nick Jensen.
“All the (expletive) he went through,” said Chabot as he commended Jensen for playing through injuries during the season.
Jensen himself wouldn’t disclose his injury, but didn’t rule out surgery being a possibility for whatever he’s been dealing with, explaining that he’ll have to “talk to the doctors first.”
The hope is that Jensen will be back for training camp, but his injury status looms large in what Staios might do this off-season to address the right side of the defence that, even with a healthy Jensen, could be upgraded.
Adam’s apples
• World Championships: One of the more notable insights on Saturday was that Linus Ullmark wanted to play in net for Team Sweden at the World Championships in Stockholm, but he ultimately wasn’t chosen to represent the Tre Kronor as they host the international event.
“I have the interest, but they’ve decided not to go with me.”
A fascinating development for Ullmark as the Milano Cortina Olympics are now less than a year away.
Meanwhile, Stutzle said he’d “love” to play for Team Germany but wants to assess his body and talk with Senators management before making a final decision. Lastly, Tkachuk, Sanderson and Kleven all opted out of playing for Team USA.
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• Where the stars want to improve: As lockers were emptied on Saturday, it was clear that many of the Seantors youngsters were clamouring for ways to improve ahead of next season.
Stutzle, for instance, already identified where his biggest area of improvement needs to be.
“I think in the offensive zone, knowing when to shoot, when to pass. I think I’ve struggled a little bit with that this year,” he explained. “I was always a pass-first guy my whole career, I love other guys scoring more than me.
“I just got to get better at that and picking my spots. When to pass, when to shoot, and sometimes (being) a little more selfish.”
Meanwhile, Cozens also keyed in on a specific area he’d like to improve upon.
“I think a big thing for me is just getting to my top speed quicker,” the centre explained. “I think my skating is a weapon that I don’t use enough.”
Lastly, Sanderson’s answer was a bit more unorthodox.
“I think you don’t want to get too consumed in your routines. I think comfort kills growth,” said the 22-year-old while describing himself as a hockey “nerd.”
“It’s my life. It’s 24 hours, non-stop.”
For Sanderson, after a year of tremendous growth, the little things, such as working on more technically difficult backhand passes versus relying on easier forehand passes, were an example of him learning to push himself this season. Sanderson’s teammates revelled in that work ethic and professionalism that was often on display.
Lastly, Drake Batherson declined the opportunity to speak to the media.
