{"id":48904,"date":"2026-05-17T11:54:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T11:54:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/48904\/"},"modified":"2026-05-17T11:54:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T11:54:09","slug":"3-burning-questions-for-ottawa-senators-in-2026-offseason","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/48904\/","title":{"rendered":"3 burning questions for Ottawa Senators in 2026 offseason"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Ottawa<\/a> Senators are in the midst of a crucial offseason. After a second-straight first-round playoff exit, something has to change for the team to have a real shot at making a prolonged postseason run.<\/p>\n

Yes, the pieces are there as part of what could be an elite core. But beyond that, three burning questions emerge for the Senators as they look to recalibrate for next season.<\/p>\n

3 burning questions for Ottawa Senators ahead of 2026-27 seasonWill Brady Tkachuk stay with the Ottawa Senators?<\/p>\n

So, this question has supposedly been answered. Both Tkachuk and the club have dismissed any trade talk. However, the Sens captain is entering the fifth year of a seven-year pact. While he is not eligible to sign an extension yet, the chatter about a trade won\u2019t go away<\/a> until he signs one.<\/p>\n

In fact, the trade talk should only pick up the closer Tkachuk and the Senators get move towards that final year.<\/p>\n

Tkachuk will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2027. In the meantime, the club will need to do everything it can to reassure fans that this situation won\u2019t be an issue next season. It\u2019s worth keeping that in mind, as the chatter could become a needless distraction.<\/p>\n

What depth moves will Steve Staios make?<\/p>\n

One of the biggest questions surrounding the team was the lack of depth. Beyond adding Warren Foegele, Senators GM Steve Staios really didn\u2019t do much to add depth to the squad<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Foegele is under contract for one more year. So, he could be a significant piece next season. In 21 regular-season contests in Ottawa, Foegele scored six goals and eight points. That\u2019s not bad. If he can chip in 20+ goals next season, the Sens will be happy to keep him around.<\/p>\n

While there are various options on the UFA market, ones that we will explore in the days ahead, the depth options could be internal.<\/p>\n

In particular, defenseman Carter Yakemchuk stands out. He got a call-up late in the season and did not look out of place. The former first-round pick could become a mainstay next season. If he does, he could push various other blueliners like Tyler Kleven and Jordan Spence down the depth chart.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, there\u2019s Arthur Kaliyev. The former second-round pick of the LA Kings had a 40-goal season in Belleville. He totaled 68 points in 70 games, while chipping in one point in two NHL contests.<\/p>\n

You have to think that Kailyev will factor in for a spot next season. The 25-year-old is an RFA and will need a new contract. It wouldn\u2019t be crazy to see the two sides agree on something like a two-year pact, hoping that Kaliyev can deliver the same type of scoring at the NHL level. <\/p>\n

If he does, both sides can figure out a multi-year deal at that point.<\/p>\n

Will the Sens target a backup goaltender?<\/p>\n

It was tough to see Anton Forsberg become the starting goalie for the LA Kings in the postseason. He unseated former Vezina Trophy nominee Darcy Kuemper. And while the Kings were swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round, Forsberg looked good.<\/p>\n

The Sens, for their part, could have really used Forsberg this season. But Ottawa had veteran James Reimer essentially keep the team afloat<\/a> when Linus Ullmark was away from the team. There\u2019s no reason why the Senators wouldn\u2019t want to bring back Reimer. But the club may be keen to explore other goaltending options.<\/p>\n

While Ullmark will surely come back as the starter, the Senators will need insurance. While the organization does have Leevi Merilainen and Mads Sogaard in the system, a more reliable backup option could become a priority.<\/p>\n

If the organization feels that Reimer is capable of carrying the load next season, this point may well become moot. Otherwise, the Senators may need to explore another goalie. For instance, Daniil Tarasov and Connor Ingram are set to become UFAs. If they hit the market, the Sens might come calling.<\/p>\n

It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks, particularly leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft. So, stay tuned.<\/p>\n

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