We’ve been pretty busy dealing with free agency and many relevant rumours. So today, we just want to make a suggestion based on the activity we’ve been experiencing. We are going to discuss the strategy for building the Ottawa Senators forwards this offseason. So let’s get to it.
The Prospective Ottawa Senators 2025-26 Forwards
We can start by summarizing the re-signings. First of all, signing Fabian Zetterlund for $4.28 million was somewhat revealing. It is belief that you’re getting the guy who scored 24 goals, in nearly 19 minutes of ice time for the San Jose Sharks in 2023-24. That’s opposed to the player that only managed five points in 20 games after coming over to Ottawa last season. He was also playing all over the lineup. He jumped from the fourth to the first line. However, with that price tag, plus his known scoring potential, he will settle somewhere within the top nine.
Sorting the Existing Pieces
As the Ottawa Senators forwards as a group sits right now, they have nine forwards signed. You could argue that the first three lines are set. Having over $6.5 million tied up in Michael Amadio and David Perron is fine. However, it does limit how you can make further upgrades to your roster. Also, a player like Ridly Greig is better off suited for a top-nine role. The counter-argument would be for him to help build your fourth line. In contrast, he’s not really that level, and it wouldn’t be great for his career development. So, what’s left.
Bonne St-Jean!
pic.twitter.com/wbGYjBbq25
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) June 24, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Still Work for Staios and Staff to Do
You would think, based on the overall situation, that Claude Giroux re-signs. It doesn’t appear the sides are that far apart on dollars, more about term. Plus his fit in Ottawa has been so strong. Furthermore, Nick Cousins kind of jumps out as a surprise he’s not signed yet. So, it is interesting to picture just what general manager Steve Staios and staff truly have in mind. You have three top lines of forwards, and at least two, if not three with Adam Gaudette others unsigned who would fit those remaining roles. Therefore, it just seems like they have further plans. This is considering they do have somewhat limited funds.
The Sens are sitting with around $10 million in available cap space. So, it’s not to say they can’t add a major player. However, it’s likely it’s only one that you have available resources. Also, you’d either need a trade to free up space. Alternatively, you’re shifting around your roster, and having players play slightly out of their comfort zone.
One of Top Available Free Agent Forwards for the Ottawa Senators
Bruce Garrioch mentions one player that would fit the bill for Ottawa. He would provide goal-scoring efficiency and just an overall upgrade for the Ottawa Senators forwards. That player is Brock Boeser.
The 28-year-old Minnesota native, career Vancouver Canuck definitely ticks a lot of the boxes. Moreover, he is a six-time 20-goal scorer, with a career high of 40 from 2023-24. He has a career shooting percentage of over 14%. Of course, the problem is the lack of free agents available this summer. Thus, driving up Boeser’s asking price.
Boeser does have a couple downsides. He doesn’t have great foot speed, a known want for the Ottawa Senators forwards. Also, there have been questions about his health. Conversely, he’s played in a high percentage of the Canucks games throughout his career span. It likely isn’t a huge drawback. The main problems are cost and lack of speed.
Recapping Most All Available Options Upfront
In any case, as we head into draft week, the Sens do come from a good spot. They have their top-nine forward alignment in a great spot. Also, they’ve clearly identified what they need to improve. Efficient goal scoring, speed, and maybe size. The difficulty? Those traits are incredibly rare to come by. JJ Peterka or Jason Robertson, names who have come up, do fit that need. However, the price is likely too great. The last comment we will leave, is possible internal growth. The Sens forwards are still mostly young. You’d have to think they can find some improvement as a result. One prospect in particular is Stephen Halliday. He had a big 2024-25 campaign with the Belleville Senators. As a 22-year-old, he posted over 50 points. He’s also nearly the exact player the Sens need. It all adds to be an exciting time right now for armchair GMs. Stay tuned, as the next ten days or so will be crazy. The draft is Friday, followed by free agency on Tuesday. The Sens could look a lot different, but we are here to conclude, as it stands, they are well built for whichever route it goes.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
The post The Ottawa Senators Current Top-Nine Forwards for 2025-26 appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.