Not much was expected from the Senators in 2016-17 but they exceeded expectations and were one goal away from booking themselves a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. Craig Anderson was outstanding during their run as was Erik Karlsson who pushed himself into contention for the title of best hockey player in the world. If Anderson plays well again and the offence improves even more, the Senators will once again be contenders to come out of the Atlantic division.
Arrivals/Departures
Arrivals: Johnny Oduya, Nate Thompson, Max Reinhart, Danny Taylor, Tyler Randell
Departures: Marc Methot, Tommy Wingels, Viktor Stalberg, Chris Neil, Chris Kelly, Philip Varone, Buddy Robinson, Casey Bailey
Forwards:
The Senators' forwards are very similar to the Rangers as they have good depth at the position but don't have any superstars. Mark Stone is the top forward on the team as he has consistently scored and produced points for the Senators. Mike Hoffman has also been very good during his first three full NHL seasons scoring between 26 and 29 goals so you know what he is going to give you each year. Kyle Turris has been good in his role as the number-one center even though he would be better suited as a team's second-line center. Derick Brassard struggled during his first season with the Senators as his point production took a drop off but he should be able to score like he did with the Rangers in his second season. One of last year's most disappointing players throughout the entire league was Bobby Ryan as he was payed seven million and only put up 12 goals and 25 points but he did improve during their playoff run. There was talk that Clarke MaCarthur would never play in the NHL again because of his concussion issues but he returned for the playoff run playing well. One of the best shorthanded goal scorers is Jean-Gabriel Pageau and he has turned himself into a great third-line center on this Senators team. Speedster Ryan Dzingel performed well during his first season but he will have increased expectations as he enters his sophomore campaign. Zack Smith has evolved his game from a shutdown fourth-line role to a top-nine forward who has managed to net 41 goals over the past two years. The fourth-line center will be Nate Thompson after he had a successful playoff run with the Ducks this past April and May. Alexandre Burrows will likely start his first full season with the Sens on the fourth line but if he can turn back the clock he could be a top-six forward. Veteran Tom Pyatt will compete with prospects Nick Paul, Colin White and Christopher DiDomenico for the 12th forward spot while the others provide depth.
Defenceman:
Erik Karlsson has emerged as the NHL's best defenceman thanks to his amazing offensive game to go along with his solid defence. Karlsson is one of the best skaters in the league as it helps him to complete amazing passes and always finish near the top of the NHL points. With Marc Methot gone, Karlsson's new partner will be Fredrik Claesson who played well during his short tenure playing alongside Karlsson a season ago; he does not have much NHL experience but he should be ready to make the full-time leap. Dion Phaneuf will be the go-to-guy after Karlsson on the second pair after a good first full season in Canada's capital. Cody Ceci has struggled a bit in the NHL but at 23 years old still has plenty of time to turn into a top-two defencemen and will play on the second pair beside Phaneuf. Thomas Chabot is the best prospect on the team and after auditioning for one game last year, he should get a full season in the NHL. The last spot on the defence will either go to veteran Johnny Oduya, enforcer Mark Borowiecki or Chris Wideman and all of them are proven defencemen in case Claesson or Chabot are not ready.
Goaltending:
Craig Anderson was the league's best success story a season ago as he played the best hockey of his career while he wife overcame cancer. Anderson improved his play so much that he took the team all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. When Anderson was away with his wife, Mike Condon played like one of the best backup goalies and he is back on a new three-year deal.
Projected Lineup:
Mike Hoffman
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Kyle Turris
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Mark Stone
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Clarke MaCarthur
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Derick Brassard
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Bobby Ryan
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Ryan Dzingel
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Jean-Gabriel Pageau
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Zack Smith
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Tom Pyatt
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Nate Thompson
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Alexandre Burrows
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Nick Paul
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Colin White
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Christopher DiDomenico
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Fredrik Claesson
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Erik Karlsson
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Cody Ceci
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Dion Phaneuf
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Thomas Chabot
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Johnny Oduya
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Mark Borowiecki
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Chris Wideman
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Craig Anderson
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Mike Condon
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Andrew Hammond
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Top 10 Players:
10. Cody Ceci
9. Jean-Gabriel Pageau
8. Dion Phaneuf
7. Derrick Brassard
6. Bobby Ryan
5. Kyle Turris
4. Craig Anderson
3. Mike Hoffman
2. Mark Stone
1. Erik Karlsson
Projected Finish: 99 Points (2nd in Atlantic)
Last Year: 98 Points (2nd in Atlantic)
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