Ottawa — Steve Staios, the General Manager of the Ottawa Senators, demonstrated his approach through concrete actions rather than mere rhetoric this off-season. His decisions spoke volumes.
According to Staios, he implemented “minimal changes” over the off-season, making minor adjustments by bringing in Jordan Spence to strengthen the right side of the defense and veteran Lars Eller to fill the fourth-line center position.
“My belief in this team is quite clear,” Staios declared to reporters during the Senators` annual charity golf tournament on Monday.
It`s worth noting that Ottawa recently made it to the playoffs and is projected to be the tenth youngest team in the league for the upcoming season, as per Elite Prospects.
Staios further explained, “When one genuinely assesses our roster, considering their performance after the trade deadline and their development during that first-round playoff series, as a general manager, that observable progress instills confidence in bringing the same group back.”
The Senators also anticipate that 19-year-old Carter Yakemchuk might make an impact on the team sooner than anticipated, setting up his potential role in Staios` and head coach Travis Green`s strategy as a captivating narrative for training camp.
However, Yakemchuk is coming off a somewhat inconsistent season in the WHL.
Regarding Yakemchuk`s objectives for the season, Staios stated, “Our aim for him is continued growth. We expect him to arrive with the determination to earn a spot on the team as a young player. We will evaluate his progress, and his performance will ultimately determine his place. We assess these young talents on their developmental stage. We are highly optimistic about the advancements he has made, as well as the significant potential of his talent.”
Should Yakemchuk secure a spot on Ottawa`s roster after training camp, it would signify an exceptional pre-season performance, further bolstering Ottawa`s impressive pool of young talent, which includes Jake Sanderson, Tim Stutzle, Ridly Greig, and other players under 25.
Despite limited assets and cap space this off-season, Staios successfully enhanced the team, at least theoretically, through the acquisitions of Spence and Eller.
Staios` strategy relies on the belief that a young Senators squad, having finally reached the playoffs (and benefited from minor but effective additions), will not decline as their core players approach their peak performance years.
Stutzle commented, “I believe the next advancement will come from within our locker room. The young players need to elevate their game.”
He added, “Certainly, we are a young team, but we cannot perpetually use our youth as a talking point. We must progress, and that is our imperative for this season. Furthermore, everyone is a year older, and we have experienced the playoffs. We understand what it requires to qualify, and we must demonstrate that commitment daily.”