As autumn leaves begin to change in Ottawa, signaling the start of another hockey season, anticipation is high for the Senators. Last season marked a significant achievement, with the team making a playoff appearance for the first time in eight years. This was a welcome development for both the team and its dedicated fanbase.
However, replicating success in the challenging NHL is no easy feat, and both players and fans are looking beyond merely a repeat performance.
“It`s not about just getting in the playoffs anymore. We want more,” declared Senators captain Brady Tkachuk to reporters recently.
The journey from being a struggling team to a competitive one is often less complicated than the leap from `good` to `great`. Yet, with Ottawa`s youthful core, natural improvement is expected as players mature. General Manager Steve Staios is also making strategic and thoughtful player acquisitions. These factors combined suggest that the Senators are well-positioned to elevate their game.
Let`s explore the key reasons why the Senators could transition from playoff newcomers to genuine contenders in the 2025-26 season.
Tkachuk`s Ascending Stardom
The success of the Ottawa Senators largely revolves around their impactful captain, Brady Tkachuk. Beyond being the face of the franchise, he shares the spotlight as a cover athlete for the NHL 26 video game alongside his brother, Matthew. Despite a slight dip in offensive production last season, recording 55 points, Tkachuk demonstrated substantial defensive growth. He ranked an impressive 127th out of 704 skaters in expected goals against at five-on-five, according to Evolving Hockey. His leadership and performance truly shone in the playoffs, where, despite battling injuries, he led Ottawa in points with seven. Tkachuk also made a significant impact at the Four Nations tournament, notably scoring in the final game.