Senators: 7th pick available

The Ottawa Senators are in a strange situation. While they should have been competitive and at least contending for a playoff spot, they’ve had another tough year.

The goal will be to get to the next level.

This leaves them with the 7th overall pick, but they could well cash in on it.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS: Ottawa Senators trying to make changes, are listening on No. 7 pick https://t.co/jkiQHp1Vut via @ottawacitizen

– Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 13, 2024

Team senior vice-president Dave Poulin confirmed to media members that the team was listening to offers for this famous pick. General manager Steve Staios wants to remain flexible, and everything could depend on how the first round pans out.

With the Devils’ (10th) and Sabres’ (11th) picks potentially available for a trade, that’s a lot of options for a team like the Habs, who could add two important pieces to their rebuild.

Conversely, New Jersey, Buffalo and Ottawa are all looking to move up to the next level and win immediately.

A game in Gatineau

That’s not all we’ve learned about the Ontario team.

The team will travel to Gatineau to play an intra-squad match (White vs. Black).

#Sens will play a Black and White game in Gatineau in September.

– Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 12, 2024

It’s a good initiative to include, if only a little, the people of Gatineau. It was a promise of the new administration and it’s a small first step in getting people in Quebec interested in the team.

But will it be enough?

Not just yet for Daniel Alfredsson

Daniel Alfredsson enjoyed an illustrious career with the Ottawa Senators. He was brought in behind the bench last year, but a career as a head coach will have to wait.

The former captain has told senior management that it will be 3-4 years before he considers leading the team.

Alfredsson told Poulin and Staios that “he will need three or four years before considering becoming a head coach.” #Sens

– Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 12, 2024

Last year, many thought Jacques Martin would groom him to be the team’s next head coach, who eventually hired Travis Green instead.

Does the former captain want to do like Rod Brind’Amour and be an assistant for several years before he’s ready to take the lead of a good club? It’s possible, yes.

The goalkeeping situation

The Senators’ biggest question mark is in front of the net. Poulin has openly mentioned that he’s looking to improve his team in this position.

He said the solution could come internally or externally, but promised it would be better next year.

Poulin says “the team isn’t happy with the goaltending tandem and I don’t think the goaltending tandem is happy with the goaltending.” He says both goalies have accepted responsibility for the way they played. #Sens

– Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 12, 2024

Overtime

– Intriguing.

@StLouisBlues #HockeyX #STLBlues pic.twitter.com/dgwZGtWQ6c

– Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 13, 2024