The Ottawa Senators certainly had a disappointing end to their season. Getting bounced in the first round of the 2026 NHL playoffs was bad enough. But getting the broom made matters worse.
That said, there’s no need for Senators fans to feel like this season was a waste. In fact, there were plenty of positive signs for the organization. Those signs could translate into a breakthrough at one point or another.
Senators overcame significant adversity
Perhaps the most complex situation the organization had to face was the Linus Ullmark controversy. The controversy didn’t lie with Ullmark himself. The issue stemmed from heinous online rumors.
That situation could have destroyed the team. It could have created such a rift that it would have been impossible for the team to recover. Yet, the management team handled it very well. The team rallied around Ullmark, allowing the Sens’ goalie to become a champion by speaking out about his mental health struggles.
Overcoming that adversity paved the way for the Senators to focus as a cohesive unit and make the postseason, injuries and setbacks notwithstanding.
Young stars took next step forward
This season, the Senators had several younger players step up. Jake Sanderson, injuries and all, showed a significant improvement in his overall game. He’s emerged as the team’s best defenseman, showing why he was among the gold-medal winners at the Olympics.
Tim Stutzle continues to improve his all-around game. He had another solid offensive year, while his leadership skills were on display during Brady Tkachuk’s absences due to injury. It’s easy to forget that Stutzle is only 24. But he’s looking increasingly like the team’s future captain, should Tkachuk ever leave (that’s a story for another day).
Other young players like Dylan Cozens, Shane Pinto, Ridly Greig, and Jordan Spence all look like part of a solid core for years to come.
The Senators look like the sort of team that could really contend with a few veteran additions. Those could come this offseason, considering how well the Senators are set up moving forward.
Ottawa has solid voice behind the bench
Another key element to the Senators’ success moving forward is head coach Travis Green. He was the steady hand guiding the ship throughout the season. While it’s fun for fans to have animated coaches yelling and throwing stuff around, Green was a welcome sight.
The Sens’ coach seemingly handled pressure calmly while giving his team guidance through some of the toughest stretches of the season. For instance, his cool demeanour down the stretch helped the Senators lock up a playoff spot.
But beyond his character, Green’s overall playing style and coaching philosophy have rubbed off well on the entire team. Green has been able to set up a solid system in which every player can buy into it.
Now, what will really determine Green’s tenure in Ottawa will be what he does next season. The pressure will be on to return to the postseason next year. But it won’t be just a matter of returning to the playoffs. The focus will be on getting out of the first round and showing the club can hang with the Eastern Conference heavyweights.
There’s no question the Senators have the talent. It might just be a question of experience and depth catching up to the roster’s potential.
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