Atlantic Division Offseason Outlook: Senators vs Canadiens
A look at the major roster changes and internal developments for Ottawa and Montreal as they prepare for the upcoming NHL campaign.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning James Reimer across Hockey.
A look at the major roster changes and internal developments for Ottawa and Montreal as they prepare for the upcoming NHL campaign.

The Ottawa Senators finished the 2025‑26 campaign with 99 points and a playoff berth, while the Toronto Maple Leafs slipped to 78 points and missed the postseason. Ottawa’s offseason was marked by the trade request of captain Brady Tkachuk, who ultimately moved to Florida, and the subsequent arrival of forwards William Eklund and Andre Burakovsky, as well as goaltender Samuel Ersson, to shore up the roster. The club also retained key veterans such as Claude Giroux, Nick Cousins and Jordan Spence, preserving much of the talent that drove their strong finish. Toronto responded with a sweeping revision of its hockey operations, appointing Jim Hiller as head coach and overhauling the roster through trades that brought in Darren Raddysh, Nick Paul and Emil Andrae, and by selecting Gavin McKenna first overall in the draft. Free‑agent signings added Sergei Bobrovsky, Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger, Brandon Duhaime and Zack MacEwen, while the organization brought in Daniel Alfredsson as an associate coach. Although the Leafs’ activity appears more extensive on paper, the article argues that Ottawa’s deeper core and the strategic additions made during the offseason give them the edge heading into the 2026‑27 season.

The Detroit Red Wings have entered their tenth year of a rebuild marked by frequent goalie changes and a controversial draft trade, raising questions about the club's development strategy.

With marquee names set to change teams, emerging prospects eyeing new challenges, and ownership ambitions extending beyond hockey, the league’s off‑season narrative is already shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory.

Detroit’s management is searching for a seasoned net‑minder who can mentor prospects and thrive in both the NHL and AHL.

Detroit’s general manager is exploring experienced AHL‑ready goalies to complement Michal Postava’s promising rookie showing, aiming for a tandem that can mentor the team’s next prospect.

Steve Yzerman weighs a veteran backup against a promising Czech prospect as the Red Wings navigate goaltending uncertainty for the 2026‑27 season.

The Hurricanes' recent championship offers a roadmap for the Canucks, emphasizing aggressive drafting, savvy trades, and a skill‑first philosophy.

Dylan Larkin’s request to leave Detroit, the potential market for his services, and the wider financial implications for the league are examined, alongside goaltending concerns in Minnesota and a controversial comment from the Canadiens’ GM.

From a 42‑save debut to clutch victories over Tampa Bay and Toronto, Cam Talbot’s two‑year stint with the Red Wings delivered memorable moments before younger net‑minders prepare to take the reins.