Seven Up: Seven Bits of Good News for the Ottawa Senators in 2023-24
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It almost goes without saying that the Ottawa Senators' 2023-24 season will be marked mainly by the negatives. They took a step back, missed the playoffs again, and twice ran afoul of the NHL law.
The league punched them in the face a couple of times – once with the loss of a first-round draft pick for screwing up a trade, and another with the loss of a critical player (Shane Pinto) for half a season due to a gambling-related suspension.
But there were some positives scattered amidst the shadows this season. And here are seven of our favourites.
New Ownership and Atmosphere in the Organization
None of the negatives listed above had anything to do with the new owner, Michael Andlauer. Simply put, Andlauer has brought stability – financially and behaviourally – to the owner's suite. Everything flows from the top. If there's incompetence and toxicity at the top, that pours through the whole organization. I've spoken with several longtime employees who say the improvement in the working atmosphere is almost impossible to describe.
New GM
It can't have been easy for Pierre Dorion. Being a rookie at the NHL GM poker table poses unique challenges. But working for a highly involved, volatile owner who liked to do things on the cheap added another thick layer of obstacles. Dorion brought in some nice pieces over the years, but there were too many mistakes, and the Senators' roster composition was obviously flawed.
Steve Staios is also a rookie NHL GM tasked with replacing some of the bricks in the rebuild. But he comes in with several advantages over Dorion. He'll work under a trusting owner who will provide far better organizational support. Staios also came to the job with more experience as a GM, having spent seven years in that position in the OHL. His 1001 NHL games as a player and the league connections that blossomed from that don't hurt either.
New Coach
When head coach D.J. Smith was fired in favour of interim coach Jacques Martin, the Senators didn't get the classic new coach bump.
Records: D.J. Smith (11-15-0), Jacques Martin (26-26-4)
Had they retained Smith, it's easy to think he could have put up the same record Martin did. Smith's teams were always better in the second half after they had played themselves out of contention.
The Senators' troubles are more than just a coaching issue. But coaching was part of it and had to change. Smith had been given four and a half seasons, and the team wasn't improving or responding. A fresh voice was required as the Senators began to rebuild the rebuild.
Going 5-1-1 Against Toronto and Montreal
The Leafs and Habs will always be natural rivals for the Senators and their fan base. The way their fans take over Ottawa's building adds an extra layer of annoyance. Going 3-1 against Toronto and 2-0-1 against Montreal and watching their people leave the stands early will always be satisfying for Sens fans.
Dave Poulin Hired as Staios's Right-Hand Man
Poulin's experience at every level and position in hockey is a huge add. I've interviewed him half a dozen times and also spoken to people who've worked with him in the league, and they all say that, as a person, he's one of the best people in the game. On a team trying to figure out its team defence, it doesn't hurt to have a former Selke winner helping to right the ship.
Drake Batherson Restores His Swagger
In the second half of the season, a light went off for Batherson. He looked every bit like the confident all-star player he was before the dirty cheap shot by then Buffalo goalie Aaron Dell in 2022. Batherson seemed to lead the offensive charge, looking far more poised with the puck, and even got that plus/minus down to a reasonable number.
It's hard to say if there's any connection or not, but Batherson's second-half emergence came after the coaching change, and after the investigation of his World Junior team finally wrapped up. If he continues to play like he did in the second half, Batherson's sub $5 million cap hit for the next three years will be one of the most team-friendly in the NHL.
The Captain Doing Captain Stuff (Part 6)
Awareness of Brady Tkachuk's leadership excellence isn't just a regional thing. Tkachuk headed to Czechia this month, and Team USA immediately slapped the "C" on his jersey. Tkachuk led the Sens in goals, points, hits, penalty minutes, and shots. He also continued to be an emotional leader, leading by example with his will to battle, defending teammates, and speaking for the club after many dark nights.
Tkachuk's remaining four-year term as a leader in Ottawa figures to be much more impressive and exciting than anything at Parliament Hill.