Over the next past few weeks, Die By The Blade staffers have taken an in-depth look at each of the other teams in the Atlantic Division as the Buffalo Sabres prepare for the 2021-22 season.
Next up: the Ottawa Senators.
Last Season’s Results: 23-28-5 51 Points
Key Offseason Acquisitions: The Sens have added Zach Sanford, Nick Holden, Victor Mete and Michael Del Zotto
Key Offseason Losses: Logan Brown, Evgenii Dadonov
Season Outlook: Well, what to say. They finished above expectations in the all easy Canadian division, but back to reality might send Ottawa to the bargain bin with us. Batherson re-signed, Tkachuk is (tragically) unsigned at this point. Logan Brown out, Sanford in. Goalie Matt Murray? Well, time to gain weight…
Sabre fans will have to wait until the new year to see possible studs Tim Stützle and Shane Pinto, who are both looking to have their first full (82 games for Tim’s case) season with the Senators. With Batherson, Tkachuk, Stützle and Pinto, that forward corps could be something worth worrying about in a few years. Connor Brown and Colin White are there to help in the meantime, but White seems to a bit all over the place after his nice 4 million dollar payday.
On the backend, looks like poor Chabot is still all alone. Brannstrom and Mete are RFAs after this season, so we’ll see if they come into their own and earn some more time, as Erik was acquired in the mighty Mark Stone trade almost 3 years ago now.
Like the Buffalo Sabres, they’re waiting for some kids to shine. For them, brighter days are much closer if Brady and management can get a nice long term contract together. They have two first round selections in Bernard-Docker & Thompson who can hopefully start backing up Thomas Chabot for the backend. The forward core is young, plenty of goalie depth behind Murray and some growin’ pains on the backend… you never know when it can start clickin’ for the Senators.
Games vs. Buffalo: 18th of January, 25th of January, 20th of April (home, for all you Senators fans in Buffalo)