Today’s article tackles a very specific and difficult topic for the team from the Canadian National Capital city. Just what exactly do the Ottawa Senators need to do to finish as high as second in the NHL’s Atlantic Division in 2025-26? For this, we shall focus in on everyone’s respective areas. If you are unsure where it is headed, just skip ahead to our second paragraph. In any sense, let’s go, baby!
Start With Expected Line Combos for Tonight’s Season Opener versus Tampa Bay Lightning
Tkachuk – Stutzle – Zetterlund
Greig – Pinto – Giroux
Perron – Cozens – Amadio
Cousins – Eller – MacDermid
Sanderson – Zub
Chabot – Jensen
Sebrango – Matinpalo
Focusing On How the 2025-26 Ottawa Senators Roster Can Optimize their Results
First up we got the forwards. This one is going to be, honestly, the most individual of the topics. As such, our subject is none other than the club’s number-one centre Tim Stutzle. You know, perhaps the single most important position, maybe other than number-one netminder. So, one path for the Sens to finish at the upper end of the Atlantic Division standings, Stutzle needs to get 110 points.
It is even more about the player in a sense, that it will mean a couple very important things have happened. Stutzle tends to be very internalized when it comes to goals and what to improve in his own game. He’s a bit hard on himself, let’s be honest. Moreover, if Stutzle scores 110 points, it means he has achieved superstar status throughout the league. He will have developed into a responsible, two-way player. One who uses his shot effectively to be the scorer we all know he can be in the NHL.
Also, it is quite likely he has improved his faceoff percentage. Statistically, this has been trending upwards. In fact, his percentage has increased every year in the league. That is significant considering he has been consistently around 400 faceoffs taken each year. Last year he was up to 47.8% on the draws, so it almost at a level you need to consider yourself a top-flight NHL centre. If you’re winning even 50% against all the other team’s best centremen, you are doing all right.
However, more on the idea of the big season for Stutzle, is the impact it will have upfront, as a whole. Specifically, it likely coincides with Brady Tkachuk maximizing his goal output, to say 40-45 (opposed to 30-something). Even on down to the third line and Shane Pinto might be able to avoid tough assignments.
Also, it means they found their match on the Sens first line. Whether that ends up being Fabian Zetterlund, Drake Batherson, or perhaps someone else. Claude Giroux has played a lot with them, and is a safe choice. Conversely, loading up a line of Pinto, Tkachuk, and Stutzle might become a Sens late game secret weapon. A role Batherson could also fit. In any case, the thoughts of a big year from Stutzle has lots of potential favourable correlations. As a note, Batherson is currently out for tonight due to a previous injury. However, he will be back within a few days in all likelihood.
So, What About on Defence?
On defence, if everyone plays as expected or better, this will elevate the Sens performance, in terms of standings. We have come to expect big things from number 85, Jake Sanderson. He will continue to look to improve his play, even if it is already at a high level. In addition, he tends to elevate the play of his partner, we are looking at you Artem Zub. Also, Thomas Chabot had a strong year last season, playing behind Sandy on the left side. Chabot was 19th in defenceman scoring last year, in fact.
It is curious Jordan Spence isn’t in the lineup to start, but Nikolas Matinpalo did have a big year in 2024-25. So in some sense, there was no reason for him to lose his spot. The surprise thus far is Donovan Sebrango jumping into the lineup. He fills in as we await Tyler Kleven’s return from injury.
The idea is the Sens have options. When guys, like Sebrango, get an opportunity, if they make the most of it, the team will succeed. Therefore, as a collective unit, if they play at or above expectations, it will power the team.
What About the Goalies
The goalies play just status quo. It would seem to be enough. After all, the starter Linus Ullmark is a Vezina Trophy-calibre type. Also, Leevi Merilainen, if he plays 20 or more games, and is even just okay. It may seem simple, but there are a few stipulations. Ullmark playing at the highest level isn’t a surety. Additionally, it assumes health, that we all know is never guaranteed.
Okay One Surprise, Management
This is the Sens wild card. The last area of the team to mention that could drive a top finish. There is some uncertainty on the right-side defence Nick Jensen and Jordan Spence. Perhaps it is the goalies, Merilainen and Ullmark’s inability to play a lot. Also, maybe someone in the top-nine forwards, we expected 25 goals out of, are only on pace for 15. If any of these things occur, the Sens might need to take action.
In that case the Sens left themselves some options. In their salary cap space they have nearly $2.4 million. That’s accountability, the intangibles. In any case, buckle up Sen fans for a big 2025-26.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers – Imagn Images
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