3 Reasons the Ottawa Senators’ 2026-27 Season Is Looking Up

There are plenty of reasons for Ottawa Senators fans to feel a little better heading into this season. No, everything isn’t perfect. There are still questions. That’s normal in the NHL. Every team has holes. But when you look at how Steve Staios has built this team, there are some signs that the Senators are moving in the right direction.

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Why Senators Fans Should Be Pleased with Their Team

The biggest thing I notice is that Ottawa doesn’t seem to be making desperate moves anymore. That’s a big change.

Reason 1: The Senators Are Building With a Plan

For a smaller-market team, making the playoffs matters. It’s not just about bragging rights. More games mean more revenue, more flexibility, and more chances to keep improving the roster. That’s why Staios has been careful. He hasn’t thrown away draft picks just to make a splash. He hasn’t taken on contracts that could become problems later.

That might not always create the biggest headlines, but it’s how good teams are built. The Senators learned some tough lessons from past moves. Giving up too many assets for players who don’t fit can set a team back years. Staios appears determined not to make those same mistakes.

Reason 2: Ottawa Has More Depth Coming From Within

One of the best things any NHL team can do is find players who can help without having to overpay for them. The Senators are starting to see some of that happen. Players like Stephen Halliday represent what every organization hopes for. He’s a young player pushing his way into the lineup and giving the team more options.

That matters because successful teams need balance. You can’t build everything through expensive free agents. You need players on affordable contracts who can contribute. The Senators are starting to create that kind of depth.

Reason 3: The Senators’ New Additions Could Be Smart Bets

Not every good move is the biggest move. Sometimes the best deals are the ones where you don’t give up much but have a chance to gain a lot. That’s where players like André Burakovsky and Samuel Ersson come in. These aren’t moves that will dominate the headlines, but they could end up being important pieces.

The key will be getting them into Travis Green’s system and making sure they understand their roles. We saw something similar with Jordan Spence last season. It took some time, but eventually things clicked.

The Bottom Line: The Senators Are Building, Not Chasing

That’s the part of Staios’ approach I like. He doesn’t seem to be chasing quick fixes. He’s trying to build something that lasts. Are the Senators a Stanley Cup contender tomorrow? Probably not.

But they are starting to look like a team that knows where it’s going. And in the NHL, having a direction is half the battle. For years, Ottawa seemed stuck trying to find the next big answer. Now, they’re finally starting to look like a team with a plan. And that’s a pretty good place to start.

Related: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers & Blue Jackets Gamble