There’s plenty of rumours swirling in the mill of armchair general manager carpenters that keep the chopping block hot. So where to start for general manager Steve Staios? For the Ottawa Senators change seems likely. So, as for defencemen, and more specific than that, right-shot rearguards, and one more for good measure, physicality. A major bonus would be for mobility. Let’s not beat around the bush, let’s just breakdown the Sens ideal new backend alignment. So let’s get sensational.
Ottawa Senators Important Defender Has Surgery
The Ottawa Senators Rumours Searching for the Ideal Defence Upgrade
The Senators want to boost their talent from 2024-25. One player, and who fits the prescribed blueprint described in the intro, is Aaron Ekblad. Really, the only difficulty from a Senators perspective, is financially. Based on our previous discussion, the Sens have about $7.5 million remaining for five roster spots. Ekblad’s expiring contract was an average annual value of $7.5 million. He’s a 2024 Stanley Cup Champion and still only 29. Furthermore, he was one of the ultimate shutdown men in the final series versus the Edmonton Oilers led by Connor McDavid.
So, when we previous discussed those that would re-sign with the club, it was missing a step. That wasn’t considering a tangible upgrade throughout the lineup anywhere realistically. In some ways, maybe even downgrades given players getting older. C’mon GM Steve Staios, that’s a challenge.
Just How Will the Senators Improve in 2025-26 During this Offseason
Therefore, the challenge shifts to where is the improvement going to come from. We are really leaning to externally for a skill improvement somewhere throughout the roster. You could make the argument that the upgrade could come from anywhere. Whether that is an offensive sniper, while also upgrading size and speed upfront, they will be searching for growth. Alternatively, loading up your defence is a winnable strategy. Especially when you consider they have the 2023 Vezina Trophy winning goaltender Linus Ullmark backstopping them.
Dude, when you really just think about the deal, look how much stronger the Sens top-eight on defence becomes.
- Sanderson – Ekblad
- Chabot – Zub
- Kleven – Matinpalo
- Yakemchuk
If you make this happen, you have your defence set and it’s July. Yippee!
As a note, Kleven also remains unsigned. However, he is sure to take his restricted free agent contract from the Sens. No doubt he is banking on himself for the near future.
So, what we haven’t discussed was trading Nick Jensen. Nothing against him and how well he played with Thomas Chabot, of course. However, they just happen to need the upgrade at that position. Nikolas Matinpalo is just recently locked up, so the team has made some priorities known at this time.
So, this was one scenario, but it was specific if you think about. Jensen for Ekblad. The reason Ekblad isn’t random, is because he is the top player among unrestricted free agent defencemen. The cost might be a question ultimately. On the other hand, you know how much the Sens have to juggle. Strong management can make any solid foundation see through to a plan.
Main Photo Credit: Jim Rassol – Imagn Images
