As the training camps draw near, the Ottawa Senators are gearing up for what they hope will be a successful season under the leadership of President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Steve Staios. Staios addressed the media on Wednesday, discussing a variety of topics related to the upcoming season and the team’s busy off-season.
The Senators have faced their fair share of struggles, having missed the playoffs for the past seven seasons and only reaching 80 points once during that time. There was hope that the team would make a turnaround in the 2023-24 season and compete for a playoff spot. However, a slow start led to another disappointing campaign, with just 78 points and a record of 37-41-4.
The shake-up began with the firing of long-time General Manager, Pierre Dorion, and the appointment of Staios as his replacement in early November. Six weeks later, Head Coach D.J. Smith was let go, and Jacques Martin took over on an interim basis for the rest of the season. Travis Green was later hired as the team’s 14th head coach in May.
Staios wasted no time in making additions to the roster over the summer, bringing in veteran wingers David Perron and Michael Amadio on July 1, in addition to acquiring goalie Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins in June. Speaking to the media, Staios expressed his belief in the team’s core group of players and emphasized the importance of surrounding them with experienced players who have a history of winning.
“My expectation is we will be a hugely competitive team day in, day out. I have belief there is huge internal growth,” Staios remarked confidently.
The Senators are set to kick off their preseason schedule on Sept. 22 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with the regular season commencing on Oct. 10 against the visiting Florida Panthers. Linus Ullmark, who is entering the final season of his four-year, $20 million contract, will be a free agent at the end of the season.
With new additions to the roster, a fresh coaching staff, and high hopes for internal growth, the Ottawa Senators are poised to make strides towards a more successful season in 2023-24. The team, led by Steve Staios, is ready to hit the ice and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.
