The Ottawa Senators' prospect pool for the 2025-26 season presents a mixed bag, with some high-end talent close to making an impact and some questions about the overall depth of potential NHL contributors. Here's a breakdown of where the top prospects stand:
The Cream of the Crop
At the top of the pyramid sit two players who are expected to play a significant role for the Senators in the near future: Carter Yakemchuk and Leevi Meriläinen.
Carter Yakemchuk (D): Yakemchuk is a highly touted defensive prospect who impressed in training camp last season, even managing five points in three preseason games. After being sent back to the Western Hockey League for further development, Yakemchuk is expected to compete for a roster spot this season and has made improvements in his defensive zone play.
Leevi Meriläinen (G): Meriläinen is considered one of the best goaltending prospects and the Senators showed their faith in him by signing him to a one-way, one-year contract. With Anton Forsberg departing to the Los Angeles Kings, there is an opportunity for Meriläinen to become a full-time NHL player. Last season, Meriläinen posted a .925 save percentage in 12 games.
The Next Tier
Beyond Yakemchuk and Meriläinen, several prospects have the potential to become NHL players, though their ceilings may be lower.
Logan Hensler (D): Hensler was a top defenseman selected in the 2025 draft. He is a mobile, 6-foot-3 blueliner known for his defensive capabilities. While not an offensive defenseman, there is a belief that he can develop into a solid second-pairing defenseman.
Stephen Halliday (F): Halliday had a strong first full AHL season, ranking 11th in points among under-23 players in the league. At 6-foot-4, 212 pounds, Halliday is a big center who continues to develop. His AHL coach believes he possesses NHL-level skill, and Halliday is focused on adopting a more attack-oriented mindset.
Depth Question Marks
After the top prospects, the Senators' system appears to lack high-end offensive depth. While players like Jorian Donovan and Blake Montgomery are in the system, there are questions about whether many of the remaining prospects will develop into more than just occasional call-ups.
Areas for Improvement
The Senators need to bolster their offensive prospect pool. While the promotion of players like Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, Shane Pinto, and Ridly Greig to the NHL is a positive, it has thinned out the ranks of offensive prospects.
Overall, the Ottawa Senators' prospect pyramid for 2025-26 has some promising talent at the top, particularly in Yakemchuk and Meriläinen. However, the organization needs to continue adding depth and high-end skill to its prospect pool to ensure a sustainable pipeline of talent for the future.
