The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for the 2025-26 season with a mix of familiar faces and new additions. Here's a look at some of the latest news and rumors surrounding the team:
Roster Call-Ups
As the preseason concludes, the Senators have recalled eight players from the Belleville Senators training camp. These players include forwards Tyler Boucher, Xavier Bourgault, and Oskar Petersson, defensemen Jorian Donovan and Tomas Hamara, and goaltender Hunter Shepard. Keean Washkurak and Scott Harrington will also join the Senators on PTOs (Professional Tryout Offers). These call-ups are likely intended to fill out the NHL roster before players are reassigned to the AHL, and to protect the regular players. Hunter Shepard is likely to serve as a backup in the final two preseason games.
Dylan Cozens' Impact
Dylan Cozens, acquired by the Senators in a trade last season, is poised to play a significant role in the team's success. After being traded to the Senators, Cozens recorded 16 points in 21 games. Some have expressed caution regarding Cozens, especially considering his $7.1 million cap hit until 2030, expecting increased production. Despite this, Cozens's impact was crucial in helping the Senators reach the 2025 playoffs. He is expected to remain on the second line this season and is also expected to be on the top power-play unit.
Cozens's physicality and ability to attack the net have made him a good fit with the Senators' offensive style. Although his five-on-five metrics dipped towards the end of the season, his per-60 rate stats were strong, indicating his potential to be a key offensive contributor. Some analysts believe that Cozens needs to silence his critics from his time in Buffalo and prove his long-term value to the Senators.
Jordan Spence Arrives
The Ottawa Senators have added defenseman Jordan Spence to their roster. Spence is excited for a fresh start in Ottawa after being traded from the Los Angeles Kings.
Tyler Kleven
Tyler Kleven signed a two-year, $3.2 million contract with the Ottawa Senators on June 2, 2025. The contract has an average annual value of $1.6 million. Kleven established himself as a regular in the lineup last season, recording 10 points in 79 games.
Kleven, born on January 10, 2002, was drafted by the Senators in the second round (44th overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. After playing college hockey at the University of North Dakota, he signed his entry-level contract with the Senators on March 23, 2023.
