Rachel: The net is about to freeze over in Ottawa, and let me tell you, the battle for spots on this roster is already heating up faster than a power play penalty kill. We are talking about who keeps their jersey, who gets sent down, and whether Linus Ullmark or Samuel Ersson is starting Game One.
Dave: It’s not just about talent anymore; it’s about fit. With Daniel Alfredsson leaving for Toronto and Drake Batherson locking in for eight years, the chemistry equation has changed. I’ve been watching the practice footage, and the neutral-zone pressure is different today.
Rachel: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Rachel, and this is your daily home for everything Ottawa Senators. Dave, you’re here to break down the tactics, the stats, and yes, the drama. Today is all about Roster Battles. We’ve got three segments coming up: we’re tackling the center ice competition first, then we’ll look at the defensive corps shuffle, and finally, we’re making our final roster cut predictions before they face the Canadiens on September 21st.
Dave: That’s right. And if you listened yesterday, you know we predicted a 4-2 win against Montreal. But before we get to the game preview, we need to figure out who is actually on the ice to make that happen. The depth chart is shifting every day.
Rachel: Exactly. So grab your coffee, settle in, because today we are digging into the trenches of the Ottawa Senators’ lineup. Let’s get into Segment One: The Center Ice Dilemma.
Dave: Okay, let’s talk centers. This is where the Senators have the most questions. You’ve got Tim Stutzle, obviously, he’s the anchor. He’s going to be scoring between 85 and 90 points this season, as we’ve said before. But behind him? It’s a mess. Shane Pinto is trying to find his role again, and then you have Dylan Cozens, Ridly Greig, Stephen Halliday, and Nick Cousins all competing for two or maybe three spots.
Rachel: I feel like Shane Pinto is under more pressure than ever. When Daniel Alfredsson left for the Maple Leafs staff, it took away some of that veteran leadership in the locker room. Who steps up? Is it Pinto holding onto his line, or does someone like Ridly Greig take the opportunity?
Dave: Greig is interesting. We talked about him hitting 50 points from the wing last week, but if he stays at center, he might struggle with the physicality of the top-nine minutes. My read is that Stutzle plays 20 minutes a night, Pinto gets 14 to 15, and Cozens is fighting for the third line. Greig and Halliday are likely training camp invitees pushing for bottom-six roles.
Rachel: So, Cozens is still in danger? That’s what everyone is asking. He’s talented, but can he handle the forecheck when the game gets tight?
Dave: He can handle it, but he needs to be smarter with his zone entries. If he’s turning the puck over in the neutral zone, you’re killing momentum. I think Cozens makes the team, but he’s not safe. Every shift counts now.
Rachel: And what about Nick Cousins? He’s a veteran presence, but at this point, is he still an NHL regular? Or is he there just to mentor the kids?
Dave: Cousins is a specialist. He’s going to be on the fourth line, killing penalties, and bringing energy. He’s not going to be playing 18 minutes. If you want him in the top six, you’re looking at the wrong player. He’s a glue guy, nothing more.
Rachel: Got it. So Stutzle is the star, Pinto is the workhorse, Cozens is the wild card, and Cousins is the fourth-line grinder. That leaves Greig and Halliday on the bubble. Dave, do you see either of them making the final 23-man roster?
Dave: Halliday has the speed, but Greig has the hockey IQ. I think Greig edges him out for one of those bottom-six spots, especially if he can contribute on special teams. But it’s close. Really close.
Rachel: Alright, so we’ve established the center ice pecking order. Now, let’s move to Segment Two. The Left Wing vs. Right Wing Shuffle. With Drake Batherson signing that massive eight-year, $86 million extension through 2034-35, how does that change the dynamic on the wings?
Dave: Batherson being locked in changes everything for the right side. He’s not going anywhere. He’s going to be playing alongside Claude Giroux. Wait, did you hear about Giroux re-signing? Yes, one year, $2 million base, up to $5 million in bonuses. He’s 38 years old, folks!
Rachel: I know! A career-high 35 goals in 2022-23, and now he’s back for another go. It’s incredible. But does Giroux stay on the right wing with Batherson, or do they switch? And what about Andre Burakovsky on the left?
Dave: I think Batherson stays on the right. He’s a goal scorer. Giroux can slide to the left or play center in a pinch, but realistically, they want to keep those two together for the chemistry. They played well together in the past. But the real battle is on the left wing. You’ve got Andre Burakovsky, William Eklund, Warren Foegele, Kurtis MacDermid—who is listed as a LW but is really a defenseman—and Fabian Zetterlund.
Rachel: MacDermid on the left wing? That’s confusing. Is he playing forward?
Dave: In the brief, he’s listed as LW, but we know MacDermid is a enforcer-type defenseman. He’s probably there as a decoy or for specific matchups, but don’t expect him to be playing 15 minutes a night at forward. He’s insurance. The real fight is between Eklund, Zetterlund, and Foegele.
Rachel: Eklund is the young Swedish prospect. He’s fast, he’s skilled. Does he beat out Foegele for that second spot on the left wing?
Dave: Foegele is reliable. He’s consistent. Eklund is high-ceiling but risky. In the preseason, if Eklund shows he can handle the physical game, he takes the job. If he struggles with the board battles, Foegele keeps it. I think Eklund wins the spot by mid-season, but Foegele starts the year.
Rachel: And what about Michael Amadio and Xavier Bourgault on the right wing? Are they even in the mix? Or is it just Batherson and Giroux dominating that side?
Dave: Amadio is the fourth-line right winger. He’s solid. Bourgault is a younger guy pushing for a spot. Hayden Hodgson is also there. It’s a crowded house. But Batherson and Giroux are the anchors. Everyone else is fighting for scraps.
Rachel: Okay, so we have the forwards sorted out mostly. Now, let’s talk defense. Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson are your top pair, no question. But who is the third defenseman? And what about the rookies?
Dave: Artem Zub is in a great spot right now. He’s been productive. Ben Hutton provides stability. Then you have Cameron Crotty, Carter Yakemchuk, Jordan Spence, Matthew Andonovski, Nikolas Matinpalo, and Tyler Kleven. That is a lot of bodies for four spots.
Rachel: Tyler Kleven is a rookie defenseman. He’s big, he’s tough. Do you see him making the team out of training camp?
Dave: Kleven has a chance. He’s physical, he’s got a shot. If he can show he can play in the NHL, he might sneak in. But usually, these big defenders start in the AHL. I think Yakemchuk is more likely to make the team because he’s a better skater and passer.
Rachel: So, Chabot-Sanderson-Zub-Hutton are your core. Then Yakemchuk and Crotty are battling for the last spot. And Kleven is the dark horse. What about the goaltending situation? This is huge. Linus Ullmark, Samuel Ersson, and Leevi Merilainen.
Dave: Ullmark is the starter. He’s a Vezina-caliber goalie. Ersson is the backup. Merilainen is the prospect. Unless Ullmark gets hurt, he’s playing 60 games. But Ersson has to be ready to step in. And Merilainen... he’s probably going to start in Belleville.
Rachel: But wait, there’s a twist. What if Ullmark isn’t 100%? Or what if the coaches want to split time early on to keep him fresh?
Dave: Unlikely. Ullmark is durable. He’s experienced. He’s going to be the guy. Ersson will back him up. Merilainen is development. That’s the hierarchy. Don’t overthink it.
Rachel: Alright, Dave. Before we jump into our final segment and make those roster cut predictions, I want to take a quick moment to talk about something important. This show, the Beatline, is produced entirely by us, day in and day out, to bring you the best hockey analysis possible. It takes a lot of work, late nights, and passion to keep this free for all of you fans. If you love what we do, please consider supporting us. Just check out the link in the episode description. Your support helps us keep the lights on and the episodes coming. Thank you so much for listening.
Dave: Thanks for that, Rachel. Now, let’s get to the fun part. Predictions. Who is staying, and who is going? First up, the center position. Who makes the final roster?
Rachel: Okay, I’m saying Tim Stutzle, Shane Pinto, and Dylan Cozens are locks. That leaves one spot for Ridly Greig, Stephen Halliday, and Nick Cousins. I think Cousins gets the nod because of his experience and penalty kill ability. Greig goes to Belleville to start the year.
Dave: I disagree slightly. I think Greig makes the team over Cousins. Cousins is good, but Greig offers upside. If you’re building for the future, Greig is the choice. So my four centers are Stutzle, Pinto, Cozens, and Greig. Halliday is the first cut.
Rachel: Interesting. Okay, moving to the wings. On the left, I’m going with Andre Burakovsky, William Eklund, and Warren Foegele. Kurtis MacDermid is out. He’s too big for the role. Fabian Zetterlund is also out.
Dave: Agreed. MacDermid doesn’t fit. Zetterlund is too inconsistent. On the right, it’s Batherson, Giroux, and Michael Amadio. Xavier Bourgault and Hayden Hodgson are both cuts. Too crowded on that side.
Rachel: Perfect. Now, the defense. Top pair: Chabot and Sanderson. Third pair: Zub and Hutton. Fourth pair: Carter Yakemchuk and Cameron Crotty. That leaves Matthew Andonovski, Nikolas Matinpalo, Jordan Spence, and Tyler Kleven as cuts.
Dave: I think Yakemchuk makes the team. He’s a better fit than Crotty defensively. So I’d swap Crotty for Yakemchuk. Crotty is a good player, but Yakemchuk has more potential. So my sixth defenseman is Yakemchuk. Crotty is the cut.
Rachel: Okay, so Yakemchuk in, Crotty out. And then the goaltenders. Ullmark starts. Ersson backs up. Merilainen is the third string. He goes to Belleville. Simple as that.
Dave: Exactly. No surprises there. Ullmark is the guy. Ersson is ready. Merilainen needs more time. That’s my final 23-man roster prediction.
Rachel: Let’s recap. Centers: Stutzle, Pinto, Cozens, Greig. Wings: Burakovsky, Eklund, Foegele, Batherson, Giroux, Amadio. Defense: Chabot, Sanderson, Zub, Hutton, Yakemchuk, Crotty. Goalies: Ullmark, Ersson. That’s our squad heading into Montreal.
Dave: It’s a strong group. They have the skill to compete in the Atlantic Division. And remember, we predicted they’d beat Montreal 4-2. I stand by that. Ullmark should be sharp, and Batherson-Giroux should light it up.
Rachel: We sure do. And if you agree, or if you think we’re way off, let us know on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with a fellow Sens fan.
Dave: Go Sens Go. See you tomorrow.
Rachel: Go Sens Go. Thanks for listening!