The Ottawa Senators find themselves at a critical crossroads this offseason. After sneaking into the playoffs as a wild card for the second straight year—finishing 44-27-11—they were swept by the Carolina Hurricanes, the Eastern Conference’s top seed. The story of their season was one of resilience, but also frustration.
Early on, the Senators looked lost, stumbling to an 18-15-5 record before 2026. But they caught fire down the stretch, going 18-6-4 over the final three months. Fans had every reason to believe that momentum would carry into the postseason. Instead, they fizzled out in four straight games, leaving a bitter taste and raising serious questions about the team’s trajectory.
Right now, Ottawa is stuck in hockey purgatory: good enough to make the playoffs, but not built to compete for a Stanley Cup. A shaky goaltending duo held them back all season, and management now faces the tough task of breaking out of this funk. Here are three burning questions they must answer in the 2026 offseason.
1. Is the Brady Tkachuk era coming to an end?
Trade rumors have swirled around the Senators’ captain, and for good reason. Brady Tkachuk is a rare blend of physicality and offensive creativity—a talented winger who plays with an edge. But his numbers have dipped over the past two seasons. After averaging over 30 goals per season from 2021-22 through 2023-24, he managed just 29 in 72 games in 2024-25. This past season, injuries limited him to 60 games, where he posted 22 goals and 59 points. Worse, he was held pointless in the playoffs.
With Tkachuk just one year away from being eligible for an extension, the Senators face a tough decision. If they believe they’ve hit their ceiling with this core, trading him could be the reset button they need. He’d likely welcome a return to the U.S., following the path his brother Matthew took when he was traded to the Florida Panthers. It’s not an immediate necessity—his no-movement clause gives Ottawa time—but it’s a story to watch closely this summer.
2. What’s the plan for Drake Batherson?
Unlike Tkachuk, winger Drake Batherson’s situation demands a quicker resolution. He has just one season left on his six-year, $29.85 million contract, and it carries no trade protection. That makes him a prime candidate for trade talks or an extension negotiation.
Batherson just posted a career year, scoring 33 goals and adding 38 assists in 79 games. He was one of the only Senators to show up in the playoffs, making him a valuable asset. But his value also makes him a tempting trade chip if Ottawa wants to shake up the roster or address their goaltending woes. Either way, the front office can’t afford to let this linger.
3. Can they fix the goaltending?
The Senators’ biggest weakness this season was between the pipes. A rough goaltending duo consistently put the team behind the eight-ball, forcing the skaters to play catch-up far too often. In a tight playoff series against a powerhouse like Carolina, that weakness was exposed ruthlessly.
Whether it’s through free agency, a trade, or internal development, finding a reliable netminder has to be priority No. 1. Without it, all the offensive firepower in the world won’t push Ottawa past the first round.
The Senators have the pieces to be a contender, but they’re running out of time to prove it. This offseason will define whether they take the next step or remain stuck in neutral.