The Ottawa Senators' 2024-25 season officially came to an end. After losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 in game 6 last night, the Senators were eliminated from the 2025 playoffs.
Even with being eliminated from the playoffs, most people would look at this season as a success. The Senators made the playoffs for the first time since 2017, which not many people saw coming.
Ending an eight-year playoff drought under first year head coach Travis Green is a step in the right direction for sure. The future is bright for this young Senators team. However, changes will be made this off-season.
3 Senators who will likely not be back next season
The Senators will have some upcoming free agents and will have to decide whether or not to re-sign them. There are three Senators on expiring contracts that may likely not be back next season.
3. Dennis Gilbert
On March 7, the Senators acquired defenseman Dennis Gilbert as part of the Dylan Cozens trade with the Buffalo Sabres. However, the chances of Gilbert returning might be low at the moment.
After being traded to Ottawa, Gilbert played in just four games and recorded one assist. Gilbert is an unrestricted free agent at a salary of $825,000.
Gilbert didn't contribute to much for the Senators since being traded over, and didn't play a single game in the 2025 playoffs.
2. Anton Forsberg
Prior to this season, Anton Forsberg needed to earn the Senators' trust back with the perfect chance to be Linus Ullmark's backup. However, there was inconsistency for most of the season for Forsberg.
Forsberg finished this season with an 11-12-3 record with a 2.72 goals against average and .901 save percentage. However, Forsberg's last start against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 15 may have put his Senators future in jeopardy. Forsberg allowed in four goals on 16 shots in the overtime loss.
With Leevi Merilainen's strong play in Winter time when Ullmark got hurt, having Merilainen over Forsberg might be the option. While Merilainen played in 12 games this season, he finished with an 8-3-1 record with a 1.99 goals against average and .925 save percentage.
Merilainen being 22 years old to Forsberg being 32 years old, may show signs too. The Senators may have planes at the moment for Merilainen to be Ullmark's backup long-term over Forsberg. Merilainen made big strides in Belleville all season and was heavily relied on as the team's number one goaltender.
1. Travis Hamonic
While defenseman Travis Hamonic has NHL experience with playing in 900 career games, this Senators season saw struggles. Hamonic finished this season with seven points in 59 games, but his -16 rating was the lowest on the Senators.
Hamonic became a big defensive liability for the Senators. While some fans wanted Hamonic traded, his no move clause hurt the Senators to do so.
Now that the season is done, Hamonic is an unrestricted free agent. With a major down year, not bringing Hamonic back could be the writing on the wall.
It would allow Nikolas Matinpalo to develop more and get a full year in the lineup. Matinpalo played in every game in the 2025 playoffs and in the 4 Nations Face-Off for Finland. The Senators would hope the experience Matinpalo got this season can help him for next season.
While the Senators do have more free agents on the roster, Gilbert, Forsberg and Hamonic might have low odds to return next season.