Off‑Season Rankings
The Ottawa Senators find themselves positioned 26th in the latest NHL off‑season rankings, placing them seventh from the bottom among all teams. The placement reflects a net loss of talent after a busy summer of player movement.
The most high‑profile departure was that of captain Brady Tkachuk, who was dealt to the Florida Panthers in June 2024. Tkachuk, who had enjoyed three consecutive 30‑goal seasons before a dip to 22 goals and 59 points in 2025‑26, was the team’s offensive anchor and leader on the ice.
Departures and Roster Thinning
Beyond Tkachuk, the Senators lost several veteran contributors, including defenseman Nick Jensen, centre Lars Eller and left winger David Perron. Their exits created gaps in both the blue line and the forward depth chart, further eroding the team’s overall experience.
New Faces and Cap Space
General manager Steve Staios attempted to blunt the loss by signing young left winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks, but the move did not fully address the offensive void. The roster also welcomed depth players such as Andre Burakovsky and Philip Tomasino, while goaltender Samuel Ersson arrived via a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, joining starter Linus Ullmark, who was acquired from the Boston Bruins.
Financial constraints loom large, with only $4.2 million of salary‑cap space remaining. The limited flexibility hampers the ability to replace the skill and leadership that Tkachuk provided, especially in a competitive Atlantic Division.
The combination of a weakened blue line, a goaltending duo that must prove its chemistry, and a lack of high‑impact forwards has raised concerns that Ottawa could miss the playoffs entirely in the 2026‑27 season. The team’s management acknowledges the uphill battle but remains focused on developing young talent and preserving cap flexibility for future moves.