5 Ottawa Senators players and personnel detrimental to retool roster after quick playoff exit ft. Steve Staios

The Ottawa Senators took the next step forward in the team’s development, capturing the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

After falling behind 3-0 to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, the Sens fought back to force a Game 6. Ultimately, the Senators fell to Toronto. The outcome, while encouraging, has opened debate on what the Sens must do to take the next step forward.

But there are five team members getting in the way of the club’s ability to take the next step. So, let’s take a look at five players and personnel detrimental to the Ottawa Senators’ roster retool this offseason.

#5 The goaltending core

The Senators will need to find a competent backup for Linus Ullmark - Source: Imagn

Linus Ullmark’s arrival in Ottawa gave the team a bona fide number-one goalie to lead them into the playoffs.

However, Ullmark can’t play every minute of every game. That’s why having a solid backup goaltender is crucial to ensure the Senators can stay in games when Ullmark is not on the ice.

Anton Forsberg had a decent season, but he’s a UFA a could have priced himself out of Ottawa. Meanwhile, Leevi Merilainen showed some encouraging signs. The 22-year-old also needs a new contract.

With a little over $16 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia, the Ottawa Senators will need to allocate some of that cap space to keeping Forsberg, finding a quality backup goalie, or rolling the dice on Merilainen.

#4 Nick Jensen

Nick Jensen has been a solid blue liner for the Ottawa Senators. While unflashy, he’s been reliable and trustworthy.

But he comes with a $4 million cap hit for one more year.

As such, Jensen could be on the block if the Senators feel they need to clear cap space and a roster spot. As it stands, the Sens have only four blue liners penciled into the lineup.

While Jensen would be the fifth, Carter Yakemchuk looks poised to take up a roster spot. There’s also Nikolas Matinpalo and Donovan Sebrango who will be in the mix for jobs. That situation could make Jensen expendable.

But moving his contract won’t be easy. So, the Sens may be stuck with Jensen for one more season.

#3 Claude Giroux

Claude Giroux could have priced himself out of Ottawa - Source: Imagn

Claude Giroux himself, as a player, is not the problem. The uncertainty regarding his current free-agent status is.

Giroux is coming off a three-year deal carrying an AAV of $6.5 million. At 37, Giroux is still a productive player, but may not be worth upwards of $6 million per season.

Unless Giroux comes back on a cheaper deal, keeping him will likely take a big bite out of the Ottawa Senators’ current cap hit. If that’s the case, signing Giroux for more than a couple of seasons could limit what the Senators can do this season and beyond.

#2 Team ownership

The Ottawa Senators have seemingly found a stable owner in Michael Andlauer. Andlauer has made strides in helping the Senators find a new arena and build a contender.

But as Sportsnet reported on June 6, Andlauer has not committed to spending up to the top of the salary cap this upcoming season. That means that GM Steve Staios will have a relatively easy offseason as there won’t be many additions coming.

This situation means that free agents like Giroux, Nick Cousins, and Anton Forsberg could be moving on next season.

#1 Steve Staios

Steve Staios will need to be shrewd in his moves this offseason - Source: Imagn

Steve Staios deserves credit for navigating the Ottawa Senators’ complicated rebuild. He’s done well to sign key pieces to long-term deals like captain Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Jake Sanderson, and landing Linus Ullmark and Dylan Cozens via trade.

But it remains to be seen if Staios is able to get the additional pieces needed to maximize the Senators’ remaining budget, particularly since team ownership does not want to spend to the cap limit.

If Staios cannot add key pieces, the Senators could regress, potentially putting Staios on the hot seat.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan