Summer Coolers – Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators enter 2026-27 facing an identity change. Ottawa finished 44-27-11 with 99 points, earned a wild-card berth, and ranked ninth overall in the NHL before being swept by Carolina in the opening round. But captain Brady Tkachuk is gone, traded to Florida to join his brother Matthew. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether a new core led by Tim Stützle, Drake Batherson and Jake Sanderson can replace Tkachuk’s leadership—and whether improved goaltending can keep Ottawa in the playoff race.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00:00] Ottawa finishes 44-27-11 with 99 points, fifth in the Atlantic and sixth in the East, qualifying for the playoffs as a wild card.

[00:00:20] Despite being swept by Carolina in the opening round, the Senators were ninth overall in the NHL—a stronger regular season than their playoff exit might suggest.

[00:00:35] Everything changes with the June 21 trade of captain Brady Tkachuk to Florida for four draft picks.

[00:00:55] Tkachuk was Ottawa’s heart-and-soul player, although his temper occasionally created questions about his approach to leadership.

[00:01:10] Neil believes the Senators will now have an entirely different personality because teams often begin reflecting the style and attitude of their captain.

[00:01:30] Without Tkachuk, Ottawa must determine what kind of team it wants to become and who will establish its new identity.

[00:01:50] Neil believes that creates a significant challenge for head coach Travis Green, who has lost an enormous presence inside the locker room.

[00:02:00] Ottawa attempts to replace some of Tkachuk’s offensive production by acquiring William Eklund from San Jose and André Burakovsky from Chicago.

[00:02:20] Vic remains skeptical about Burakovsky, believing teams continually expect more production from him than he ultimately delivers.

[00:02:30] The new centerpiece becomes a big three of Tim Stützle, Drake Batherson and Jake Sanderson.

[00:02:45] Neil considers that a formidable young foundation, while veteran Claude Giroux remains an important leadership presence.

[00:03:00] Giroux’s experience as the former Philadelphia Flyers captain could become even more valuable as he helps mentor Ottawa’s younger core.

[00:03:15] Goaltending may determine the Senators’ season. Ottawa ranked 13th in goals against but an alarming 29th in save percentage.

[00:03:30] Linus Ullmark struggled early, stepped away during the middle of the season, and improved somewhat later in the year.

[00:03:45] Sam Ersson arrives to provide additional goaltending depth, while Ottawa also retains Elvis Merzlikins.

[00:04:00] Neil says Ullmark must rediscover the form he showed with Boston. Ottawa simply hasn’t seen that version of him consistently.

[00:04:20] The 29th-ranked save percentage is particularly concerning because Ottawa was not surrendering an overwhelming number of shots—too many of the shots they did allow were going in.

[00:04:35] Phil Tomasino joins as an unrestricted free agent, while Sammy Blais arrives on a two-year deal.

[00:04:50] Departures include Nick Jensen to Anaheim, Dennis Gilbert to Buffalo, Lars Eller to Florida and Mads Søgaard to Tampa Bay.

[00:05:00] Carter Yakemchuk, the seventh overall selection in 2024, could become an important part of Ottawa’s defense after showing promise in limited playoff action.

[00:05:25] Neil believes Yakemchuk has the potential to become a significant piece of the Senators’ blue line going forward.

[00:05:40] Other prospects include 2025 first-round defenseman Logan Hensler from Wisconsin and Kasper Halttunen, acquired as part of the Eklund trade.

[00:06:00] Halttunen’s big shot could eventually provide another source of offensive production.

Ottawa has talent, but this will not be the same Senators team. Tkachuk’s departure leaves an enormous leadership void, placing greater responsibility on Stützle, Batherson, Sanderson and Giroux. If Ullmark returns to form and the young core embraces its new role, Ottawa can remain in the playoff conversation. If not, losing the player who defined the personality of the franchise could prove much harder to overcome.