Four solid lines are needed for a team to win a hockey game. In the 2024-25 season, the Ottawa Senators' fourth line had some solid production.
Adam Gaudette, Nick Cousins, Michael Amadio and even Matthew Highmore were able to get quality production for fourth liners. However, Gaudette and Highmore are both no longer Senators.
The Senators did re-sign Cousins and signed Lars Eller each to a one-year contract, and Amadio is under contract until 2027. However, the Senators' fourth line could still have some decision making from head coach Travis Green for the 2025-26 season.
Kaliyev signing causes one fourth liner to not play every game
Yesterday, the Senators signed Arthur Kaliyev to a one-year, two-way contract at $775,000. However, the signing of Kaliyev could impact the Senators' fourth line with Cousins, Eller, Amadio and Kaliyev having the ability to play on the fourth line.
Amadio was arguably the best fourth liner on the Senators in 2024-25 with recording 27 points. Eller recorded 22 points in 2024-25 with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals combined.
It's having Cousins and Kaliyev on the same team that can create decision making for the fourth line. Although Cousins' 2024-25 season was better than Kaliyev's with recording 15 points, Kaliyev has shown before that he's a quality player.
While Kaliyev did record four points in 14 games with the New York Rangers in 2024-25, he first showed his potential with the Los Angeles Kings. From 2021-2023, Kaliyev recorded two consecutive seasons of 27 points or higher. In 2023-24 with the Kings, Kaliyev recorded 15 points.
Kaliyev will have something to prove in 2025-26 in Ottawa, but potentially being a healthy scratch or starting the season in the AHL might not be thrilling for the 24-year-old eager for a fresh start. Kaliyev has shown in Los Angeles that he's capable of being a quality player who can provide offense.
Cousins could have the edge over Kaliyev to crack the starting lineup with being more familiar with Ottawa's system. Cousins' fourth line play did contribute to the Senators making the 2025 playoffs.
However, Kaliyev will be eager to show his play as he did when he was in Los Angeles. The fourth line will be relied on by the Senators deeply in 2025-26 as it was in 2024-25.