The Senators must take a big step forward in 2024-25 to appease some of their most important players.
As the Ottawa Senators gear up for the 2024-2025 NHL season, there is an underlying recognition of its importance.
One of the obvious tells has been management's efforts to resolve its contract negotiations early this offseason with players needing new deals. Removing distractions was a necessary initiative based on current and former Senators' reflections in recent weeks. Fewer disturbances allow the players to focus on what they must do this summer. Everyone, from management to the coaching staff to the players, must be on the same page.
It is a pivotal season for the franchise, not just in terms of on-ice performance but also in terms of its off-ice diligence. Fans need positive reinforcement that new ownership and management represent a departure from the past and that their faith in this new group is justified. Securing the franchise's key players' future is essential to earning that confidence.
There are concerns over what another lost season could do to Brady Tkachuk's psyche. That is a sizable problem on its own, but Claude Giroux and Linus Ullmark are both approaching unrestricted free agency and need contract extensions.
In a show-me year, the Senators have a lot to prove.
Brady Tkachuk
If the unsubstantiated rumblings coming from south of the border are to be believed, this may be a crossroads season for Brady Tkachuk and the Senators.
As the team's captain and emotional leader, his presence on and off the ice is invaluable. Tkachuk is recognized as a unicorn, uniquely blending dynamic physicality with skill and leadership. He represents more than that, however. At a dark time in this franchise's history, Tkachuk's willingness to sign a long-term extension with the club out of his entry-level contract set the tone for this group's young core.
After years of seeing this organization's best talents leave through the rebuild, Tkachuk's willingness to sign a long-term extension gave hope for the future. It would be a massive blow if he decided to rip the cord now.
Although he is just 24 years old, Tkachuk's about to enter his seventh professional season with Ottawa. All of them ended with the Senators missing the postseason.
Obvious parallels will be drawn between Brady and his brother Matthew, who was dealt to Florida after balking at signing an extension with Calgary. The difference is that Brady is under contract for four more years with the Senators.
If Brady were frustrated with the organization, it would be understandable. Anyone else in his position would be frustrated with how long the rebuilding process has taken. Michael Andlauer and Steve Staios are not responsible for years of mismanagement, but they will be the ones needed to convince him that this is where he belongs for the long haul.
To do this, the Senators must demonstrate they are a team on the rise. The front office has tried to build a competitive and balanced roster, but the results have to manifest and be a significant factor in Tkachuk's decision to stay.
Claude Giroux
At a time when the Senators had a penchant for overpaying for past-their-prime veterans or acquiring veterans whose intangibles far exceeded their talent levels, Claude Giroux represented a marked departure.
As a seasoned veteran and one of the most respected players in the league, Giroux blended invaluable experience and leadership with high productivity levels. In 164 games for the Senators, Giroux has recorded 56 goals and 143 points.
His performance since joining Ottawa has been remarkable. Still, if an extension is not reached, he will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Extending Giroux is paramount for the Senators. His presence and experience are essential to insulate and develop this young core. Unlike the others, one of the things that Giroux has is a natural connection to this city.
This is where he considers home. Family fuelled a decision to sign here in 2022, and unless things go drastically wrong for the Senators this season, it is hard to envision Giroux seeking a change when he turns 37 years old in January.
Linus Ullmark
General manager Steve Staios and his staff took a calculated risk acquiring Linus Ullmark from the division rival Boston Bruins.
There was no mistaking that Ullmark represented a significant upgrade over Joonas Korpisalo.
According to Evolving-Hockey's data, Korpisalo ranked dead last amongst the qualified goaltenders in goals saved above expected (-13.6 GSAx) in 2023-24. At the other end of the spectrum was Ullmark, who had the league's eighth-best mark with 21.62 GSAx.
By addressing their greatest weakness, Ullmark's talent will provide stability and afford the Senators a chance to win every night.
Unfortunately, like Giroux's contract, Ullmark's is nearing its end, making securing an extension a considerable priority. This may make negotiations with Ullmark difficult because he has all the leverage and does not owe the Senators any loyalty.
Coming from a strong organization with a rich winning history, he understands Ottawa's situation, the opportunity cost to acquire him, and the chance to cash in on a weak free-agent market next summer.
Ullmark holds all the cards. If there is a saving grace, it is that he values his family's happiness. As a safe and wonderful city in which to raise a family, Ottawa should appeal to Ullmark's European upbringing.
Conclusion
For the Ottawa Senators, this season goes beyond wins and losses. It's about proving to crucial players like Brady Tkachuk, Claude Giroux, and Linus Ullmark that the franchise is on the right path and that they should be a part of it as it moves forward.
It is not an exaggeration to suggest that this is more than just a season. It has the potential to be a defining moment with massive implications for this franchise's future direction.