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Senators Look to Sanderson, Ullmark to Lead Charge in Post-Tkachuk Era
Ottawa is counting on Jake Sanderson and Linus Ullmark while Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson and others spread the scoring load.
The Ottawa Senators open their 2026-27 regular season on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, marking a fresh start following the June trade of captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers.
General manager Steve Staios expressed confidence in the team's direction, saying "the players we have continue to get better and we learn," as Ottawa builds on back-to-back playoff appearances.
Offensive production will rely on Tim Stutzle, whose 34 goals led the team last season, alongside Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens. Defensively, 24-year-old Jake Sanderson anchors the blueline with veteran Thomas Chabot.
Goaltender Linus Ullmark, who posted a 14-4-3 record down the stretch, said it is "nice work through the positives," though the team lost backup Leevi Merilainen to the Vancouver Canucks on waivers.
With Artem Zub recovering from a playoff knee injury, 20-year-old Carter Yakemchuk will receive an extended audition for the sixth defenceman role. Staios may continue seeking additional depth to prevent previous season challenges.