The Ottawa Senators are heading into another really important offseason, and it feels pretty clear that changes are coming to the forward group. After another disappointing first-round exit. Steve Staios is going to be looking for players who can help stabilize the lineup without forcing the top line to carry everything offensively.
One name that makes a lot of sense for Ottawa is Calgary Flames forward Joel Farabee.
Farabee’s Fit with the Senators
Farabee feels like the kind of player this Senators group has quietly been missing for a while now. He’s 26, fits the age range of the core perfectly, and already has experience playing meaningful minutes in different roles. He can play either wing, contributes at five-on-five, and usually finds a way to chip in around the 20-goal mark when healthy. More than anything though, it’s probably the style of game that makes the fit interesting.
Ottawa has plenty of skill near the top of the lineup, but there have been stretches over the last couple seasons where the group has looked too easy to defend once games tighten up. Farabee helps with that. He plays with pace, pressures defenders on the forecheck, and doesn’t really shy away from getting into tougher areas offensively. He’s not the flashiest player on the ice, but he’s usually involved.
Adding someone like that into the middle six would give Ottawa a bit more balance, especially if the organization decides to move pieces around on the wing this summer.
The contract is another reason why this makes sense from Ottawa’s side. Farabee is signed through the 2027-28 season with a $5 million cap hit, which is a pretty manageable number considering the rising cap and the type of production he brings. For a player who can move around your lineup and play in multiple situations, there’s value in having that kind of cost certainty.
The harder part is figuring out what Calgary would actually want in return. The Flames are still trying to figure out where exactly they sit competitively, but they also aren’t in a position where they need to move Farabee. If Ottawa wants to seriously pursue this, it probably takes more than just future assets or depth pieces. A meaningful prospect or a solid draft pick likely has to be part of the conversation.
At this point, the Senators probably need to start targeting players who are already established NHL contributors instead of hoping smaller moves fix larger roster problems. Farabee isn’t a superstar, but he does check a lot of boxes for what Ottawa has been missing. He brings speed, some edge to his game, secondary offence, and a contract that doesn’t create long-term problems financially. It’s the type of move that honestly feels pretty realistic if the Senators want to take a step forward next season.
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