Ottawa Senators projections: Deep blue line keeps floor high even without Tkachuk

The Ottawa Senators enter the upcoming season projected to earn 96 points with a 51 percent chance of making the Stanley Cup playoffs. Following an early-offseason trade sending former captain Brady Tkachuk away, the team added William Eklund, Samuel Ersson, and André Burakovsky. Tkachuk is scheduled to return to Canadian Tire Centre with the Florida Panthers on October 21.

Ottawa has yet to name a replacement captain, with Jake Sanderson, Tim Stützle, and Thomas Chabot identified as leading leadership candidates. While the article notes concern over replacing Tkachuk's five-on-five offensive production and physical presence, the Senators rely heavily on their strong defensive core to maintain competitive performance.