Senators GM Staios prioritizes veteran leadership – Hockey Writers – Ottawa Senators

Now that the Ottawa Senators have signed Shane Pinto to a new two-year contract worth $7.5 million, their total is locked up for at least the next two seasons. The challenge for them now is to pick up wins and play meaningful games in April, leading to their first play-off appearance since 2017.

The Senators' past management team seemed to believe that youth could get them into the playoffs. However, the new general manager (GM), Steve Staios, took a slightly different approach.

He brings in veterans with years of NHL experience to help support a young core, hopefully taking them to the next level.

Offseason signing of Staios

First, he acquired Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins, providing them with a veteran goaltender who has played extremely well over the past few seasons and won a Vezina in 2022-23. Then when the free agent window opened on July 1, he signed David Perron to a two-year deal worth $8 million. Perron, 36, has been around the NHL block and has proven to be a hard-working, bite-sized forward who can help guide younger players.

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Staios also signed a few more depth players to bring in middle-aged players, hoping they can play well in context. Michael Amadio, 28, and Noah Gregor, 25, may enter the bottom six for the Senators to start. There is a good chance that Amadio will be in the top six if he can change. As for Gregor, he is a good depth forward option who can provide a ton of pace on the forecheck.

Staios also brought in veteran right tackle Nick Jensen. He was acquired in a trade with the Washington Capitals for Jakob Chychrun. Jensen, 33, will give the Senators' blue line a different look. He might start with Thomas Chabot as the stay-at-home quarterback. However, he would pair well with Jake Sanderson on the second pairing. Still, it's clear that Staios and the Senators have made gaining veteran leadership a priority.

There are still veterans available

After adding the five players mentioned above, the question is whether another veteran can be added to the Senators. Well, there have been no rumors or reports, but there are a few top players left who can bring leadership. The organization currently has $3 million in consideration. However, Josh Norris' health status is unknown so they could end up placing him on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and having some room in the $10 million cap space. This will allow them to add a player or two to help strengthen their roster.

Notable free agents

• Blake Wheeler (F)
• Max Pacioretty (F)
• James VanReimsdyk (F)
• Nick Cousins ​​(F)
• Daniel Sprong (F)
• Kevin Shattenkirk (D)
• Ryan Suter (D)
• Tyson Barrie (D)

Starting with a list of notable free agents, the Senators should look at their roster and see where they need the most help. Their blue line is a little more stable defensively with the addition of Jensen. However, they can still use another depth option, allowing them to play 35–40 games if needed. However, it is up front, where they can use the secondary scoring option. Traditionally, the best contestants have the best deaths. The Senators must use that model to give the team the best chance to succeed.

Who Should Sens Target?

With that, it's time to pick who could be the go-to forward option available to Staios and his staff. Starting with Cousins, he could be a great option for the team. He plays a Matthew Tkachuk-lite style, which would work well with Brady Tkachuk. He's Tkachuk-lite because he doesn't have the offense that Matthew has, but he has the same insect mentality. He can be a useful player for the club who can collect 20–30 points.

Related: David Perron of the Senators Was the Ideal Free Agency Signing

Second, one of Pacioretty or Wheeler. A bright vet who can play 10–12 minutes a night and score the team 25–40 points per season. Both of these players are likely to take around $1-1.5 million to play because it is already unclear whether they will play another season. If the Senators can't sign one of the players and things go south at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, they can easily trade them for a late draft pick. It's a win-win for Ottawa, honestly.

Finally, there is a defensive signing option. I can go off the free agent list and refer to 40 year old Mark Giordano. This is because he would know his role as a veteran back seven. He is always ready when the opportunity comes to call. He is used to this role, especially after last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Most importantly, he is a native Ontario from Toronto. Unfortunately, he didn't finish his career with the Maple Leafs. However, there is still an opportunity for him to finish his career with the next team closest to Toronto. He would not have to move his family; in fact, they could stay in Toronto while he plays his final season in the NHL. Like Pacorietty and Wheeler, Giordano will take veterans at a minimum. However, in his case he wants to continue playing at the age of 40.

Overall, Staios has done a great job this offseason, bringing in some old leadership. We still have room for more on the roster, and there are still players available to provide the Senators with that. At the end of the day, if this doesn't work and the team doesn't move, it means that important changes are coming soon.