By definition, a “retool” involves a major roster turnover while trying to maintain a competitive team. That’s what the New York Rangers attempted to do this summer.
And it’s something that the Senators did without anyone really noticing.
No, the Senators didn’t perform any major surgery on their roster. The team is still pretty much the same as last season. While there were some significant changes, they weren’t as drastic as what the Toronto Maple Leafs did.
This summer, nonetheless, counts as a retool for the Senators. They traded away a cornerstone piece, or at least a piece believed to be a cornerstone.
The Brady Tkachuk trade paved the way for the Sens to completely redefine the team’s direction. As such, the lasting impact of this summer’s moves was more about pushing a mental reset button than actually going through a significant roster turnover.
The Tkachuk deal allowed the Senators to land useful pieces that GM Steve Staios could translate into a solid, young forward like William Eklund. Meanwhile, additions like Andre Burakovsky gave the team the sort of veteran depth that every team needs.
However, the retool goes deeper than just adding to solid forwards, a backup goalie, and shoring up the blue line. The retool cuts much deeper into the team’s identity.
Senators retool is about turning the page
One of the most overlooked storylines from last season was the distraction that Tkachuk became for the team. There has been talk about Tkachuk and his podcast rubbing some teammates the wrong way. Also, there was that unfortunate mid-season rumor regarding Tkachuk and other players’ personal lives.
Now, we’re not saying any of this was actually true. Thus far, nothing has been proven. But what does make sense is that the chatter floating around could have been an unwanted distraction. That’s something that should go away this season.
It’s not only because Tkachuk is no longer with the team. It’s because the organization as a whole has gotten the opportunity to start over. That’s akin to the “fresh start” that you often hear talked about with players.
The Senators will have a chance to push the reset button and build a new identity that could help the club usher in a new era without going through the pain of a rebuild.
Someone will have to step up and take over leadership role
Ultimately, someone will have to step up and take over the team’s leadership role. This isn’t about the loudest guy or whoever can bench press the most.
It’s about transforming their performance into a path forward for the team. It could mean someone like Tim Stutzle evolving into a true, elite number-one center. It could mean Jake Sanderson taking another step forward and entering the conversation among the NHL’s true high-end blueliners.
We shall see. There is no question that there’s plenty of talent on the Senators’ roster. It will all be a matter of rallying together and transforming a low-key retool into a massive success on the ice.
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