2014-15 LEADING SCORERS
D Erik Karlsson (21 G, 45 A, 66 P)
RW Mark Stone (26 G, 38 A, 64 P)
C Kyle Turris (24 G, 40 A, 64 P)
LAST SEASON
The 2014-15 Ottawa Senators season was highlighted by three major storylines. A turnaround that led to a playoff birth, an unbelievable rookie campaign from Mark Stone, and an out-of-nowhere breakout season for goaltender Andrew Hammond.
After having a decent campaign in 2013-14 that saw him record 8 points in 19 games, Stone far exceeded expectations the following year, recording a whopping 64 points in 80 games for the Sens. Not only that, Andrew Hammond was called up to replace starting goaltender Craig Anderson, and was not expected to have the run he had. Hammond posted a record of 12-0-1 with a 1.55 GAA and a .950 save percentage in his first 13 starts with the Senators. This would create a major controversy based on who would start and play backup between Robin Lehner, Craig Anderson, and Hammond.
The Senators were not in a playoff spot heading into the new year, but with help from the performances of Stone and Hammond, the Senators climbed back into a spot and didn't find it neccesary to make any trades to solidify their core. They faced the Montreal Canadiens in a first round matchup, but were unfortunately eliminated in six games against the Habs. This was not the end of an era, however, and the Senators didn't let the loss get to their heads. There was tons to be optimistic about in the nation's capital.
OFFSEASON
IN
Matt O'Connor
Travis Ewanyk
Eric O'Dell
Zack Stortini
Mike Kostka
OUT
Stephane Da Costa
Brad Mills
Garret Thompson
Eric Gryba
David Legwand
Robin Lehner
Eric Condra
Derek Grant
Carter Camper
Patrick Mullen
Darren Kramer
Aaron Johnson
Alex Grant
The Ottawa Senators had a relatively quiet offseason, but it still featured a couple of big moves. They signed highly touted undrafted goaltender Matt O'Connor from Boston University to kick things off, and then heading into the draft, they traded goaltender Robin Lehner along with forward David Legwand to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 1st round pick in the 2015 draft. This move was made to make room for Andrew Hammond after his breakout season. Heading into the draft, they used their first selection to draft defenseman Thomas Chabot from the Saint-John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL, and then used the 1st round pick obtained in the Lehner deal to select forward Colin White of the USNTDP Juniors. Free agency wise they didn't do too much besides bringing in some depth names such as Eric O'Dell, Mike Kostka, and Zack Stortini. They said goodbye to Erik Condra among other names, but overall were not very active.
NEXT SEASON PT 1. OFFENSE
The Senators' offensive charge will be led by Kyle Turris and Bobby Ryan along with the young talents of Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman. Look for rookie Matt Puempel to work for a full time spot on the offense come training camp.
NEXT SEASON PT 2. DEFENSE
Next season, the Sens defensive core will no doubt be lead by captain Erik Karlsson along with veteran help coming from Marc Methot and Chris Phillips. Expect Jared Cowen to push for a rebound season.
NEXT SEASON PT 3. GOALTENDING
The Sens will likely rotate between Craig Anderson and Andrew Hammond. With Robin Lehner out of the picture, the Sens will look to Matt O'Connor when they need a replacement for one of Hammond or Anderson.
POSSIBLE 2015-16 OPENING NIGHT LINEUP
Clarke MacArthur - Kyle Turris - Bobby Ryan
Mike Hoffman - Mika Zibanejad - Mark Stone
Milan Michalek - Curtis Lazar - Alex Chiasson
Jean-Gabriel Pageau - Zack Smith - Alex Chiasson
Erik Karlsson - Marc Methot
Cody Ceci - Patrick Wiercioch
Chris Phillips - Mark Borowiecki
Andrew Hammond
Craig Anderson
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