SENSNEWS

The Ottawa Senators have finalized their roster for the 2024-25 NHL regular season. Several players stood out during training camp and pre-season, but only a few secured spots on the team.

Others were assigned to further develop in junior leagues or the AHL. Here’s an overview of the roster decisions for the team as they enter the new season.

Adam Gaudette Secures His Spot With Ottawa Senators

One of the biggest stories is the rise of Adam Gaudette, who had a tremendous pre-season. In five games, Gaudette scored four goals and added an assist, making a strong impression on management.

Both Steve Staios and Travis Green decided that he had earned a place on the team. His offensive numbers were hard to overlook, and Green expressed his appreciation of Gaudette’s performance.

“He had a good camp. He’s played a lot of centre in the NHL….He deserves to be there,” Green said.

His performance solidified his role as the likely 4th line center. After bouncing around a few teams in recent years, Gaudette may have found a home as a full time NHLer in Ottawa.

His ability to play both center and wing provides the Senators with flexibility, and if he carries his pre-season form into the regular season, he could be a key bottom-six player for the team.

Carter Yakemchuk’s Development Continues

While Gaudette received great news, Carter Yakemchuk, Ottawa’s top prospect, just missed out on the final roster.

Despite an excellent showing at camp, the Senators decided that for Yakemchuk’s long-term development, it would be better for him to return to the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL for another season.

“We went back and forth a lot on whether to keep Carter Yakemchuk up in Ottawa,” explained Green.

“We just felt to keep his progression going, what’s best for him as a player, stability for him as well, that it would be best if he went back for one more year of junior and played a big part of his team in Calgary. World Junior stuff. Again, it was not an easy decision to make.”

Yakemchuk’s on-ice play wasn’t the issue, and his return to junior hockey will help him fine-tune his skills before returning to Ottawa as an even better player.

Considering he would only receive bottom pair playing time in the NHL, this is likely the right call.

Steve Staios on Yakemchuk’s Future

Steve Staios, General Manager and President of Hockey Operations, emphasized that the decision to send Yakemchuk back was made with his long-term development in mind.

“Carter had a tremendous training camp, but we made this decision in the best interests of his long-term development.

We had a healthy conversation with Carter this morning and we expressed that we have a plan for his development that will allow him to thrive once he arrives in the NHL on a full-time basis.

We are excited to watch his growth and trajectory in Calgary this season,” Staios said.

Zack Ostapchuk and Jan Jenik Assigned to Belleville

Two other forwards, Zack Ostapchuk and Jan Jenik, were assigned to the Belleville Senators. Both players showed flashes during the pre-season, but management felt that more time in the minors would benefit them.

Ostapchuk, in particular, has been highly regarded, and playing in Belleville will provide him the ice time needed to hopefully reach his full potential, rather than playing limited minutes in the bottom six.

Tyler Kleven’s Roster Spot

Defenceman Tyler Kleven earned a spot on Ottawa’s NHL roster, although his training camp was a bit underwhelming. Kleven was expected to secure his spot easily, and despite some struggles, he will start the season in Ottawa.

He is expected to be paired with veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic, showing us the Senators’ likely third defensive pair.

Jacob Bernard-Docker appeared stronger in camp, but it seems Hamonic has claimed the spot for now. Hamonic’s experience will likely help Kleven as he transitions to a full-time NHL role.

Matthew Highmore’s Future

Forward Matthew Highmore remains on injured reserve, creating a tad bit of uncertainty to his future with the team. Depending on his recovery timeline, he could be reassigned to Belleville once healthy.

Adam Gaudette could also be moved down to clear space, but that will likely depend on his performance and/or performances from the top Belleville players.

A Mix of Veterans and Young Talent

As the season begins, Ottawa fans have a lot to be excited about. The roster features a blend of veteran experience and young talent.

With new additions and a bolstered lineup, particularly in goal, the Senators hope this is the year they break through and make a push for the playoffs.