Ottawa Senators Roster Takes Shape

After placing forwards Adam Gaudette and Jan Jenik on waivers Sunday, the Ottawa Senators are one step closer to finalizing their roster before Monday’s 5 pm ET NHL cap-compliant deadline.
Waiving Jenik was a bit of a surprise, especially after the rangy centre, acquired from Utah HC in exchange for Egor Sokolov, was impressed during the preseason. He used his size efficiently while adding one goal and three assists.

Signed to a two-way contract, Gaudette tallied three goals in five games. Still, with no space available among the Senators’ top nine forwards, last season’s leading American League goal-scorer (44) will likely have to bide his time in Belleville and await a callup.

Waiving these players doesn’t preclude either from returning anytime soon. Forward Matthew Highmore sustained an upper-body injury in Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens after taking a high hit from defenseman Kaiden Guhle.

An injured player cannot be waived, and if Highmore is out short-term, his $775,000 remains on the Senators’ books. This could result in the team making another move on Monday as the inclusion of Highmore on the roster projects to a $690,000 cap surplus.

It begs the question: Does Senators’ general manager Steve Staios assign forward Zack Ostapchuk to Belleville on Monday and carry only 12 forwards heading into Thursday’s lid-lifter versus the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers or return defenseman Carter Yakemchuk to the Calgary Hitmen?

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The Ottawa Senators seventh overall selection has been a pleasant surprise. Turned 19 only a week ago, Yakemchuk led the Senators offensively, producing two goals and five assists during the preseason. The question is, how will he fare defensively during games that count?

If Hughesmore’s injury is long-term, the club can accrue cap space without moving. A minimum stay on LTIR is at least 10 games and 24 days.

Suppose this scenario rings true, and Ostapchuk remains on the roster. In that case, the Ottawa Senators fourth line will likely consist of a trio of Nick Cousins, Noah Gregor, Zack MacEwen, and the youngster. One of these players will be the 13th forward.

The Senators finished the preseason with a record of 5-1-1 and are chomping to start the 2024-25 campaign.

“It doesn’t really matter what we do in the preseason. We don’t get two points,” Linus Ullmark said Saturday postgame. “It’s nice to win, but it’s a step in the right direction. But it’s ultimately all about the regular season that gets you into the playoffs.”

Shane Pinto, who notched a hat trick in the game, credited Senators’ head coach Travis Green with getting the team prepared as much as possible for opening the season.

“I think “Greener” did a good job of teaching us, but you know you have to go through game situations to learn them (systems). And each game I think we felt better and better. So, I think we’re in a good spot as a team. But we’ve got to stay focused and be ready and dialed in for Thursday.”