OTTAWA – For the primary time in eight years the Ottawa Senators head into the offseason not questioning what went fallacious however reflecting on what lastly went proper.
Ottawa (45-30-7) noticed its exhausting work repay, ending the common season within the first wild-card spot to earn a berth within the Stanley Cup playoffs. Whereas the Senators misplaced their first-round collection to the Toronto Maple Leafs in six video games, it’s additionally an indication of progress that they’re trending in the appropriate course.
The Senators can now begin eager about what comes subsequent. With a core led by captain Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle, a maturing defence and strong goaltender in Linus Ullmark, Ottawa heads into the summer time targeted on constructing off this yr’s success.
Tkachuk mentioned expectations will probably be completely different now that Ottawa completed its first purpose.
“It’s all people desires to win, and I believe that’s the place the frustration is available in,” he mentioned. “You understand you wish to win the Stanley Cup, and to not accomplish that it’s simply going to create disappointment.
“However we’ll take that, use that as hearth, use that as gasoline and be able to go subsequent yr and never cease till it occurs.”
Many gamers mirrored on how worthwhile getting first-hand publicity to playoff hockey was and seeing how the sport intensifies.
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“I believe the expertise we simply lived, shedding towards Toronto within the playoffs is actually going to assist our staff enhance,” mentioned defenceman Thomas Chabot. “All of us realized quite a bit residing the expertise for the primary time.
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“I believe we’re all going to come back again subsequent season much more ready to take issues to the following stage.”
Among the many gamers to raise their sport was defenceman Tyler Kleven, who’s set to change into an unrestricted free agent.The 23-year-old had two assists within the collection however was an imposing bodily pressure on the again finish.
“I liked it,” mentioned Kleven. “It was a lot enjoyable to be on the market and I may play my bodily fashion … I assumed it match my fashion of play.”
One space that stood out for quite a few gamers was the significance of faceoffs.
Stutzle, Shane Pinto and Dylan Cozens all spoke about wanting to enhance their efficiency within the faceoff circle and the worth of veteran Claude Giroux.
Giroux could possibly be counted on when a defensive faceoff win was wanted or for a key faceoff on the ability play.
“I believe I can communicate for everybody on the staff, we’re actually fortunate to have him,” mentioned Stutzle. “I’ve been actually fortunate to have him for all these years now.”
Cozens spoke about how worthwhile it was to ask Giroux for suggestions or methods if he was struggling in a sport.
Giroux is one in every of seven gamers set to change into an unrestricted free agent. Giroux mentioned whereas he hasn’t given a lot thought to his future or had any conversations with GM Steve Staios, he added how a lot he’s loved his previous three years in Ottawa.
“I really like the gamers, the followers, town,” mentioned Giroux. “This yr was essentially the most enjoyable I’ve had in just a few years.”
Giroux, 32, believes he nonetheless has quite a bit to supply and may stay an influence participant. Extra importantly, he believes the perfect is but to come back for the Senators.
A call may also must be made on Adam Gaudette, one other unrestricted free agent.
The 28-year-old labored on establishing himself as a full-time NHL participant. He performed up and down the lineup this season and completed with 19 objectives and 26 factors whereas including a purpose and two assists within the playoffs.
“I believe I proved lots of people fallacious and turned a number of heads,” mentioned Gaudette, who believes he’s elevated his inventory. “And, you recognize, that’s my sport proper there may be taking part in exhausting and having the ability to produce in a backside six position.”
Tkachuk divulged he was coping with an ongoing hip difficulty that originated on the 4 Nations event. He additionally had an upper-body difficulty he selected to not reveal.
Tkachuk has opted towards taking part in on the world championships in favour of restoration. Jake Sanderson additionally turned down Group USA.
Chabot gained’t be going both, whereas Stutzle stays undecided about representing Germany. Ullmark was not requested to play for Sweden.
Nick Jensen, who had a visual limp, wouldn’t disclose what he’s coping with however didn’t rule out the necessity for surgical procedure. Drake Batherson declined the chance to talk to media.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Might 3, 2025.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Might 3, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
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