The Ottawa Senators ended an eight-year playoff drought by reaching the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL postseason in the 2024-25 season, their first appearance since 2016-17. Although the team lost in the opening round, this achievement marked a significant turnaround and helped dispel speculation about star player Brady Tkachuk potentially leaving the club.
Tkachuk has committed to staying with Ottawa, expressing optimism about the team’s prospects. Behind the scenes, General Manager Steve Staios and the Senators’ front office have been praised for managing the team’s payroll effectively, with Ottawa rising to fifth place in NHL contract efficiency rankings.
How the Senators Climbed the Contract Efficiency Ladder
Ottawa’s jump from 17th to 5th in NHL contract efficiency reflects strong financial stewardship beyond the players’ efforts on the ice. Analyst Dom Luszczyszyn highlights the team’s promising cap sheet despite some room for improvement.
While I still have some reservations regarding Ottawa’s ultimate ceiling until someone emerges as an elite forward beyond the big two, it’s hard not to be optimistic about the future with a cap sheet like this.
— Dom Luszczyszyn, NHL Analyst
Although winger David Perron’s $4 million salary is not ideal, his contract expires after one more year, minimizing long-term impact. Luszczyszyn identified only two contracts as problematic: Perron’s and Dylan Cozens’, the latter considered a speculative bet worth the risk.
David Perron being paid $4 million isn’t ideal, but with one year left, it’s fine.
— Dom Luszczyszyn, NHL Analyst
Ottawa’s only problem contract is Dylan Cozens, an upside bet many would gladly take a flier on.
— Dom Luszczyszyn, NHL Analyst
Strong Contract Deals Anchored by Young Stars
The Senators balance their few weaker contracts with several highly valuable long-term deals. Notably, forward Tim Stützle and defenseman Jake Sanderson are locked in at a combined $16.5 million over six and seven years, respectively—a bargain given their talent and potential.
That’s a potential franchise forward and franchise defenseman locked up for six and seven years at a combined $16.5 million. In terms of budding young talent, few teams can compare at that price.
— Dom Luszczyszyn, NHL Analyst
Brady Tkachuk, the team’s cornerstone, has an average annual value of $8.2 million, further strengthening the Senators’ contract efficiency profile.
Add Brady Tkachuk to that mix and it’s a trio of A-grade deals that give Ottawa a real shot to contend over the next few years.
— Dom Luszczyszyn, NHL Analyst
In addition to these stars, the Senators benefit from cost-effective contracts for key players such as Ridly Greig, Drake Batherson, Claude Giroux, and Shane Pinto, all contributing as reliable top-six forwards.
Implications for the Senators’ Future Competitiveness
The Senators’ improved contract efficiency ranking indicates savvy management and a strong foundation for sustained success. With a promising blend of young talent locked into reasonable contracts, Ottawa is positioned to contend consistently in coming seasons. The front office’s ability to maintain a balanced salary cap sheet while securing core players like Tkachuk signals a bright and determined path forward for the franchise.