Revamped Top-Six Has Ottawa Senators Back In The Mix

Photo credits: Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Atlantic Division in the National Hockey League is loaded with talented teams, and the Ottawa Senators finished in seventh place with just 73 points in 2021-22. The Senators had young skillful players up and down the lineup, but a lack of experience was costly. This past off-season, General Manager Pierre Dorion began the process of adding pieces to bring the Senators closer to a postseason berth. Dorion has been at the helm since 2016 with one playoff appearance. There was a sense of urgency with the club that made for a busy summer.

Dorion wanted to solidify the team’s core and signed several homegrown players to extensions. Captain Brady Tkachuk signed last October for seven years and $57.5 million right after winger Drake Batherson signed a six-year, $29.85 million deal in September of 2021. In July, the Sens re-signed leading goal scorer Josh Norris to an eight-year, $63.6 million contract. Top defenseman Thomas Chabot is also in the midst of an eight-year deal. And just this past month, Tim Stutzle, their 3rd overall pick from 2020, also signed an eight-year, $66.8 million contract.

The Senators were not done adding to the club, though. In July, Alex DeBrincat was acquired from Chicago for three draft picks. The 24-year-old is coming off a 41-goal season for the Blackhawks and gives the 26th-ranked team in goals scored a much-needed offensive threat. July was a busy month as Dorion signed hometown boy Claude Giroux to a three-year deal giving Ottawa a veteran center to help guide their young talent. Veteran goaltender Cam Talbot was added from Minnesota to replace Matt Murray.

Now the Senators have a chance to contend for a playoff berth, their first since reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017 with a more different nucleus of players. The newest addition of the Ottawa Senators is young, skilled, and exciting. And it all starts with a top-six forward group that will compete with some of the best forward groups in the East.

Tkachuk-Stutzle-Batherson combined for 69 goals last season, while the projected second line of DeBrincat-Norris-Giroux had 97 goals between them. Offensively, the Senators will have much more firepower this season and should have much more balance in the goal-scoring department. Even more impressive is that all six forwards are signed long-term except DeBrincat. The former second-round pick is in the last year of his contract, which pays him $6.4 million annually. The Michigan native will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season if a deal is not reached. DeBrincat is sure to get a substantial raise.

The fans of the Ottawa Senators are hopeful that the team can improve on their 73-point total from last year. The division is stacked with favorites Toronto, Tampa Bay, Florida, and Boston, but Ottawa may gain some ground this season with a group of former high draft picks ready to show they can be one of the top teams in the East. Thursday night begins a new era for Ottawa as they open against another young, up-and-coming divisional opponent in the Buffalo Sabres. Time for the Senators to get back to the postseason.

Season 3. Episode 22. Montgomery Burns Bruins Benders Podcast

Bruins show some fight against Florida. Charlie McAvoy is most valuable. Wotherspoon and Peeke form a solid pair. Monty goes crazy. Check your Hyman at the door. Plus, much more!For more from us, visit Inside The RinkHow to support us and our sponsors:Columbia Sports ApparelESPN+ SubscriptionFanaticsDraft Kings – CODE ITR    DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook is LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code ITR! You can now bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use now that mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts. That’s code ITR only at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 800 327-5050 or visit helplineMA.org to speak with a trained specialist, free and confidentially, twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued aree bets. Terms at draftkings.com/MA.
  1. Season 3. Episode 22. Montgomery Burns
  2. Season 3. Episode 21. Brazen Brazeau
  3. Season 3. Episode 20. Mail it in March
  4. Season 3. Episode 19. Deadline Day
  5. Season 3. Episode 18. OT Again?

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