The Ottawa Senators entered the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with a clear objective: to continue building a team that can compete for a Stanley Cup. With a mix of strategic trades and calculated selections, the Senators aimed to bolster their prospect pool and address key needs within their roster.

Draft Day Moves

Ottawa made headlines early by trading the 21st overall pick to the Nashville Predators in exchange for the 23rd and 67th overall selections. This move allowed the Senators to acquire an additional asset while still landing a player they valued.

First Round Selection: Logan Hensler, D

With the 23rd overall pick, the Senators selected Logan Hensler, a defenseman from the University of Wisconsin. The 6'2", 196lbs, Minnesota native is praised for his size, mobility, and defensive capabilities. Hensler recorded 2 goals and 10 assists in 32 games with Wisconsin last season. Hensler models his game after Jake Sanderson. Some scouts believe Hensler has the potential to develop into a top-four defenseman in the NHL, with shutdown capabilities.

Later Round Picks

• Round 3, Pick 93: Blake Vanek, F: The Senators selected Blake Vanek from Stillwater High in Minnesota. Vanek is the son of former NHLer Thomas Vanek and has good size and scoring ability.
• Round 4, Pick 97: Lucas Beckman, G: Ottawa picked Lucas Beckman from Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL. Beckman posted a 31-18-2 record with a 2.65 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 52 games. He is known for his positioning and ability to shut down shooting lanes.
• Round 5, Pick 149: Dmitri Iyasev, F: The Senators drafted Dmitri Iyasev from Avto Yekaterinburg of the MHL. The 5'9" forward is known for his speed and agility. Iyasev recorded 22 goals and 23 assists in 44 games last season.
• Round 6, Pick 181: Bruno Idzan, F: Ottawa made history by selecting Bruno Idzan, making him the first Croatia-born player to be drafted into the NHL. Idzan played for the Lincoln Stars in the USHL, scoring 22 goals and 22 assists in 36 games. He is committed to the University of Wisconsin, joining fellow draftee Logan Hensler.
• Round 7, Pick 213: Andrei Trofimov, G: The Senators concluded their draft by selecting Andrei Trofimov from Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk of the MHL. The 6'2" goaltender recorded a 13-7-2 record with a 2.10 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage in 26 games. Scouts highlight his strong technical skills and edgework.

Trade Acquisition: Jordan Spence, D

In addition to their draft picks, the Senators acquired defenseman Jordan Spence from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for the 67th overall pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026. Spence, 24, played 79 games with the Kings last season, recording 4 goals and 24 assists.

Overall Assessment

The Ottawa Senators' 2025 draft class appears to focus on adding size, skill, and character to their prospect pool. Logan Hensler projects as a potential top-four defenseman, while other picks like Blake Vanek and Dmitri Iyasev add offensive upside. The acquisition of Jordan Spence provides immediate help on the blue line.

Some observers believe that the Senators' farm system is currently ranked in the lower half of the league. Trading this year's first-round pick would have meant the Senators would have had just one in the last five years.

The Senators are transitioning from a rebuild to contention. With key players like Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, and Jake Sanderson already in place, the Senators are aiming to supplement their core with promising prospects and strategic acquisitions. The 2025 NHL Draft represents a step in that direction, adding depth and potential to their organization.