Rachel: It is not a drill. The Ottawa Senators are sitting pretty at first in the Atlantic Division, but that ranking means absolutely nothing until puck drop against Toronto on October 3rd. We have a roster full of questions, a massive contract extension hanging over the locker room, and a goaltending tandem that could define their season before it even begins.
Dave: Exactly. Last week we watched them scrape by Montreal with seven guys out, relying on grit and Claude Giroux’s magic. This week? We’re looking at who actually belongs on this team for the long haul. It’s roster battles, pure and simple.
Rachel: Here is what we are tackling today. First, we break down the center depth chart—Shane Pinto versus Dylan Cozens, and where Ridly Greig fits in. Second, we look at the left wing battle between William Eklund and Warren Foegele. And third, we predict who makes the final cut and who gets sent down to Belleville. Dave, you ready to dissect this?
Dave: Born ready. Let’s get into it.
Rachel: Before we dive into the ice, I want to take a quick second. You know how much we love breaking down these hockey details with you every single day. The Beatline Podcast Network stays completely free, with no ads and no paywall, because of supporters like you. If you want to help keep this show running daily and ad-free, please chip in via the link in the episode description. It truly keeps the passion alive.
Rachel: Let’s start with the most critical position group: Center. We have Tim Stutzle locked in as the number one. But behind him? It’s a mess. Shane Pinto has been here for years, but Dylan Cozens has shown flashes of being an elite two-way force. Where do they stand heading into training camp?
Dave: This is the biggest battle in Ottawa right now. Tim Stutzle is your franchise cornerstone, obviously. But when we talk about the second line, I’m looking at Dylan Cozens. His ability to forecheck and win battles in the corners is something Shane Pinto has struggled with consistently over the last few seasons. Cozens brings a physicality that matches up better with top-line opponents.
Rachel: But Shane Pinto is coming off a strong showing against Montreal, wasn't he? He’s got the experience. He knows the system. Is Cozens really ready to steal those minutes away from Pinto?
Dave: Experience matters, sure. But in today’s NHL, speed and defensive-zone coverage are king. When Jake Sanderson is healthy—and we hope he is back soon for the Toronto game—Pinto’s lack of mobility can be exploited. Cozens skates like a guy who can stay on the ice for twenty minutes a night without getting gassed. I think Cozens wins the No. 2 center spot unless Pinto completely transforms his game in September.
Rachel: Okay, so if Cozens is No. 2, where does that leave Shane Pinto? Does he slide to the third line? And what about Ridly Greig? He’s young, he’s fast, and he scored that goal against the Canadiens recently. Does he threaten anyone's job?
Dave: Greig is intriguing. He’s got that youthful energy, but he’s still raw defensively. If Pinto slides to third, he needs to provide leadership and face-off stability. That’s his niche. Greig might end up on the fourth line or rotating based on matchups. Stephen Halliday is also in the mix, but Greig’s scoring touch gives him the edge for a permanent roster spot if he can clean up his defensive zone exits.
Rachel: So, my take: Cozens starts the year as the clear No. 2 center, pushing Pinto hard for power-play time. Pinto anchors the third line. Greig earns a call-up if injuries hit. Dave, do you agree with that hierarchy?
Dave: I agree. Unless Pinto suddenly becomes a point-per-game producer again, Cozens’ all-around game is just too valuable to keep on the bench. The Senators need winners in the middle, and Cozens is playing like a winner right now.
Rachel: Alright, let’s move to the wings. This is where things get spicy. We have Drake Batherson, fresh off that eight-year, $86 million extension. He’s locked in. But on the left wing, you’ve got Andre Burakovsky, William Eklund, Warren Foegele, and Fabian Zetterlund. Who is winning the lineup spots?
Dave: Drake Batherson is untouchable. That extension signals he’s the guy. On the left side, William Eklund is the rising star. He scored against Montreal, he’s got that Swedish skill set, and he’s hungry. But Warren Foegele? He’s a grinder. He’s going to fight for every inch of ice.
Rachel: Foegele is tough, don’t get me wrong. But is he enough to hold off Eklund? Eklund is younger, faster, and has that offensive upside. Plus, you’ve got Andre Burakovsky trying to make a comeback. Where does Burakovsky fit in all of this?
Dave: Burakovsky is the wildcard. He’s experienced, but he’s coming off injuries. If he’s healthy, he provides size and net-front presence. But Eklund’s skating and vision are superior. I think Eklund wins the starting spot on the left wing alongside Stutzle or Cozens. Burakovsky might end up on the fourth line or as a matchup specialist.
Rachel: And what about Zetterlund? He’s been in the system for a while. Does he have any shot?
Dave: Zetterlund is depth. He’s solid, but he’s not going to beat out Eklund or Batherson. He’ll likely be the seventh forward, ready to step in if someone gets hurt. It’s a crowded group, but talent-wise, Eklund stands out.
Rachel: So, Eklund takes the left wing spot. Batherson is the right-wing anchor. Burakovsky fights for third-line minutes. Zetterlund is depth. Got it. Let’s shift gears to defense. This is huge because of that injury crisis last week. Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson are the core, but who else is there?
Dave: Right. With Sanderson recovering, the burden falls on Chabot. But we can’t forget about Artem Zub. Zub is steady, reliable, and knows how to play in the NHL. Then you have Cameron Crotty, Tyler Kleven, Nikolas Matinpalo, Jordan Spence, and Carter Yakemchuk. It’s a deep group, but quality is the question.
Rachel: Carter Yakemchuk! He’s been tearing it up in the minors. Do you think he forces his way onto the NHL roster immediately, or does he stay in Belleville to refine his game?
Dave: Yakemchuk is talented, but the NHL game is faster. I think he stays in Belleville for another month. He needs to see more regular-season action against grown men. Jordan Spence might get a look earlier because of his offensive flair, but Yakemchuk’s defensive awareness makes him a safer bet for a longer-term role.
Rachel: What about the veteran presence? Kurtis MacDermid is listed as a LW, but he’s a defenseman at heart. Wait, no, he’s a LW? That’s weird. How does he fit into the defensive corps discussions?
Dave: MacDermid is a forward, specifically a left wing. He’s a fighter, a enforcer type. He doesn’t play defense. He plays physical hockey on the fourth line. So, he’s not part of the blue line battle. The real battle is between Zub, Crotty, and the rookies. I’d say Zub starts the year as the third pair, with Crotty as the sixth man.
Rachel: Okay, so Zub is the bridge until Sanderson returns fully. And Crotty provides that gritty defensive play. What about Tyler Kleven? He’s big, he’s young. Does he have a role?
Dave: Kleven is projectable. He’s got size, but he needs to work on his skating. He’s likely a bottom-six option if he makes the team, or he starts in Belleville. Matinpalo is similar—raw, but high ceiling. For opening night, I stick with Chabot, Sanderson (when healthy), Zub, Neighbours (if he’s back), Crotty, and maybe Spence for offense.
Rachel: So, Spence gets the nod over Yakemchuk for the initial roster? Because of that offensive push?
Dave: Exactly. Against Toronto, you need someone who can jump up the ice. Spence does that. Yakemchuk is too cautious right now. Give him more time in the AHL.
Rachel: Alright, let’s talk nets. Samuel Ersson and Linus Ullmark. Two excellent goalies. Who is the starter?
Dave: Linus Ullmark. He’s the veteran. He’s won a Cup. He knows how to shut down a playoff atmosphere. Ersson is fantastic—he’s young, athletic, and has a bright future—but Ullmark’s composure is unmatched. In a tight Atlantic Division race, you want the guy who’s been there.
Rachel: But Ersson is hot! He’s been sharp in preseason. Can he steal the job early?
Dave: Maybe. If Ullmark struggles in the first three games, Ersson will get the call. But initially, it’s Ullmark. He’s the proven commodity. Ersson is the insurance policy, but a very high-quality one.
Rachel: So, Ullmark starts. Ersson waits his turn. Makes sense. Let’s wrap up our battles. We’ve covered centers, wings, defense, and goalies. Who is trending UP and who is trending DOWN on this roster?
Dave: Trending up: William Eklund. He’s got the skill, the confidence, and the coach’s trust after that goal vs. Montreal. Also, Dylan Cozens. He’s playing like a beast. Trending down: Shane Pinto. He’s playing well, but the competition is fierce. And Andre Burakovsky—if he can’t find his rhythm quickly, he’s in trouble.
Rachel: I agree on Eklund and Cozens. Pinto is safe for now, but the pressure is mounting. What about Claude Giroux? He had that three-point game against Montreal. Is he trending up or is age catching up?
Dave: Giroux is timeless. He’s 37, but he plays with such intelligence. He’s definitely trending up in terms of morale and leadership. He’s not going to score fifty goals, but his impact on the ice is huge. He’s a key piece for this team’s culture.
Rachel: Love that. Giroux is the heart of this team. Now, roster cuts. Who is going home to Belleville? Who is making the final 23?
Dave: My prediction: Michael Amadio and Hayden Hodgson might be the odd men out among the forwards. Amadio is versatile, but Hodgson is too raw. On defense, Tyler Kleven and Nikolas Matinpalo are likely the ones to go, unless one of them shocks everyone in camp. Carter Yakemchuk stays in Belleville.
Rachel: Amadio and Hodgson? That’s a bold call. Amadio is a grinder. He can kill penalties. Why would he be cut?
Dave: Because of the depth. You’ve got Cousins, Cozens, Greig, Halliday, Pinto, Stutzle, Batherson, Eklund, Foegele, Zetterlund, Burakovsky, Giroux... that’s twelve forwards. Amadio and Hodgson are fighting for two spots against guys who offer more specific skills. Cousins brings face-off dominance. Hodgson is just too inexperienced. I think Amadio gets sent down.
Rachel: Okay, I see your point. Skill wins out. So, Amadio to Belleville. Hodgson too. On the blue line, Kleven and Matinpalo go. That leaves us with Chabot, Sanderson, Zub, Crotty, Spence, and Neighbours. Solid six. Plus Ersson and Ullmark in net.
Dave: Exactly. That’s a competitive team. They might struggle with depth if injuries hit again, but if they stay healthy, they’re dangerous. Especially with Stutzle and Batherson leading the charge.
Rachel: There you have it. The Senators are ready to rumble. Cozens takes the center spot, Eklund shines on the wing, Ullmark guards the net, and Giroux leads the way. We’re counting down to that October 3rd showdown against Toronto. Don’t miss it.
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Rachel: Thanks for listening to the Beatline Podcast Network. Go Sens Go!