August 2024 was winding down with little NHL news surrounding player signings. The Ottawa Senators were still in need to add depth to their team, particularly on the fourth line.
On Aug. 29, 2024, the Senators made one last signing with the free agency frenzy done. The Senators signed former Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins to a one-year deal.
Cousins was recently a 2024 Stanley Cup champion with the Panthers that didn't re-sign in Florida. Although not many would've predicted the Cousins signing would be a big one at the time, the Senators made a signing that has now impacted the team strong for a fourth liner.
Cousins' presence in Ottawa has been big since signing
The first two months for Cousins last season in Ottawa was a tough stretch. At the time, the Senators were getting little of of Cousins and he wasn't getting much ice time either due to struggles, but that would change when his game started to turn around in December with scoring four goals for the month.
Then in late-January, Cousins suffered a knee injury that put him out of action for months. Cousins' return was unknown at the time, but he returned a few games before the 2024-25 regular season was done. Toughness was shown by Cousins with returning before the 2025 playoffs started.
When the 2025 playoffs arrived, it was clear Cousins' impact for the fourth line was known. In Game 1 of the Senators' first round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Cousins was scratched for Matthew Highmore. The Senators lost Game 1 by a final of 6-2, and Highmore's impact was a negative one.
For the remainder of the series, Cousins was inserted in the lineup by head coach Travis Green. The Senators were in every game afterward with Cousins in the lineup, but fell in a tough six-game series. Cousins then would become an unrestricted free agent.
On June 30, Cousins re-signed to a one-year deal in Ottawa. Cousins made a strong impact by recording 15 points in 50 games for the Senators last season for a player who signed in late-August.
Now, Cousins will be eager to grow more in Ottawa and make a bigger impact this upcoming 2025-26 season. The Senators' season opener is on the road against the Tampa Bay Lighting on Oct. 9.