SENSNEWS

The Ottawa Senators have continued to build their roster with the addition of forward Nick Cousins, who has been signed to a one-year deal worth $800,000.

This move aligns perfectly with the team’s ongoing strategy of becoming tougher and more challenging to play against, a vision that the Senators’ management has been crafting over the offseason.

Nick Cousins Is A Player Opponents Love to Hate

Nick Cousins is a classic agitator, a player who thrives on getting under the skin of his opponents. He’s the type of player that every other team hates to play against but would gladly welcome into their own lineup.

His style of play is gritty, relentless, and perfect for throwing opposing players off their game, which makes him a perfect fit for the Senators’ identity.

Ottawa has been building a roster that’s not just about skill but also about being hard to compete against, look no further than the 2024 draft, and Cousins’ ability to antagonize and frustrate his opponents adds to this nastiness.

His reputation as a “rat” on the ice will undoubtedly make the Senators even more of a pain in the a** for opponents.

Depth and Internal Competition

But Cousins isn’t just an agitator; he brings valuable depth to the Senators’ lineup, particularly on the fourth line. His versatility in being able to play both centre and wing provides the coaching staff with more options, increasing internal competition for roster spots.

This competition is exactly what Ottawa needs as they push to maintain a high level of play throughout the entire season. Players like Cousins push others to elevate their game, creating an environment where comfortability is not an option.

This depth is crucial as the Senators look to finally get back into the playoff picture (hopefully).

Bringing Stanley Cup Experience

Another significant aspect of Cousins’ arrival in Ottawa is the championship experience he brings with him. Cousins was part of the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup-winning team this past year, and this experience will be invaluable to the Senators.

His playoff resume includes 63 games and 15 points, while also being a big presence physically.

Having yet another player who has been through the battles of a deep playoff run will be a an asset for Ottawa as the core continues to grow with the new veterans.

Cousins knows how to win, and that is something that Staios and the management group have been looking for.

A Veteran Presence

At 31 years old, Cousins fits the bill as a veteran in the NHL, with 592 career games and 180 career points under his belt. His veteran presence adds stability and maturity to a team in Ottawa that feature(ed) a lot of young talent.

While Cousins may not be a prolific scorer, his contributions go beyond the stat sheet. He’s a player who understands his role and performs it to perfection, which is exactly the kind of influence that can guide younger players as they continue to develop.

His work ethic, commitment to his role, and understanding of what it takes to be successful in the NHL are traits that can help the Senators turn the corner.

Cousins’ experience and leadership will be key as the Senators continue to build towards becoming a perennial contender.

A Perfect Fit for Ottawa’s System

Cousins embodies the kind of team that the Senators are striving to be—tough, resilient, and difficult to play against.

His ability to play multiple positions offers head coach Travis Green the flexibility to mix and match line combinations, depending on the situation.

Whether he’s centering the fourth line or playing on the wing, or maybe even the 13th forward, Cousins is an option who can be trusted to perform in his role.

As the season draws closer, fans should keep an eye on how Cousins integrates into the lineup and see exactly where he fits among other players like Angus Crookshank, Zack Ostapchuk, Noah Gregor etc.