Ottawa Senators 2023 Season Preview
With a new coach and several new players, the Ottawa Senators are hoping to make a playoff push in 2023.
Here's a look at what to expect from the Senators this season:
The Ottawa Senators are coming off a disappointing season in which they finished last in the NHL with a record of 28-43-11. However, there is reason for optimism in Ottawa this season. The Senators have a new coach in D.J. Smith, who has a reputation for getting the most out of his players. They also have several new players, including Artem Zub, Connor Brown, and Matt Murray, who should help the team improve.
One of the biggest storylines for the Senators this season will be the development of their young players. The Senators have several talented young players, including Tim Stutzle, Josh Norris, and Drake Batherson. If these players can take the next step in their development, the Senators could be a surprise team in 2023.
The Senators also have a lot of experience on their roster. Players like Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, and Erik Brannstrom have all played in the NHL for several years. This experience should help the Senators stay competitive in close games.
The Senators have a tough schedule in 2023, but they have the talent to make a playoff push. If the young players can develop and the veterans can stay healthy, the Senators could be a surprise team in 2023.
Key Additions
The Senators made several key additions to their roster in the offseason, including:
- Artem Zub: Zub is a 25-year-old defenseman who was acquired from the San Jose Sharks. He is a physical player who can also move the puck well.
- Connor Brown: Brown is a 27-year-old forward who was acquired from the Ottawa Senators. He is a speedy winger who can score goals and play defense.
- Matt Murray: Murray 28, is a goaltender who was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion who has a lot of experience.
Key Losses
The Senators also lost several key players in the offseason, including:
- Nikita Zaitsev: Zaitsev is a 29-year-old defenseman who was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. He is a physical player who can also move the puck well.
- Filip Gustavsson: Gustavsson is a 23-year-old goaltender who was traded to the Minnesota Wild. He is a talented goaltender who has a lot of potential.
- Nick Paul: Paul is a 26-year-old forward who was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is a versatile player who can play center or wing.
Schedule
The Senators have a tough schedule in 2023. They play their first game on October 12th against the Buffalo Sabres. They then play four straight road games before returning home to face the New York Islanders on October 22nd.
The Senators have a lot of tough games on their schedule, but they also have some winnable games. They play the Sabres, Canadiens, and Red Wings a combined 12 times. These are all teams that the Senators should be able to beat.
The Senators also have a few tough games against the Maple Leafs, Bruins, and Lightning. These are all teams that will be competing for a playoff spot. The Senators will need to play their best to win these games.
Outlook
The Senators have a lot of potential in 2023. They have a young and talented roster, and they have a new coach who has a reputation for getting the most out of his players. If the young players can develop and the veterans can stay healthy, the Senators could be a surprise team in 2023.
The Senators are not expected to make the playoffs in 2023, but they could be a dark horse team. If the young players can develop and the veterans can stay healthy, the Senators could be a playoff team in 2023.