The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for the 2025-26 season with a pre-season schedule that will test their mettle early on. But before the puck even drops, two major questions loom over the Canadian Tire Centre. The answers to these questions could very well determine whether the Senators are a legitimate contender or just another pretender in the Eastern Conference.
A Rising Star and a Proven Veteran Under Pressure
The first question revolves around the ascension of defenseman Jake Sanderson. At just 23 years old, Sanderson is already turning heads around the league. His teammate, Tim Stutzle, has been vocal in his belief that Sanderson has what it takes to be a top-two defenseman in the NHL. With 127 points in 236 career games and a standout performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off, the son of former NHLer Geoff Sanderson is on the cusp of greatness. The real question is, can he take that next step and become a dominant force on the blue line for a full season? If he can, the Senators’ defense will be a force to be reckoned with.
The second, and arguably more pressing, question is whether goaltender Linus Ullmark can finally shake off his playoff demons. A Vezina Trophy winner with the Bruins in 2022-23, Ullmark’s regular-season stats are impeccable. A career 2.54 GAA and .917 save percentage speak for themselves. However, his playoff numbers tell a different story: a 3.28 GAA and a dismal .885 save percentage. Head coach Travis Green has publicly backed his netminder, but the pressure is on for the 32-year-old Swede to prove he can perform when it matters most.
Ottawa Senators Pre-Season Schedule 2025-26
Here is the full pre-season schedule for the Ottawa Senators:
- Sunday, September 21 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs at 3:00 PM EDT (Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON)
- Tuesday, September 23 at Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:00 PM EDT (Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON)
- Sunday, September 28 vs. New Jersey Devils at 3:00 PM EDT (Videotron Centre, Québec City, QC)
- Tuesday, September 30 vs. Montreal Canadiens at 7:00 PM EDT (Videotron Centre, Québec City, QC)
- Thursday, October 2 at St. Louis Blues at 8:00 PM EDT (Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO)
- Saturday, October 4 at Montreal Canadiens at 7:00 PM EDT (Centre Bell, Montreal, QC)
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The post The 2 Big Questions Facing the Senators This Season appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
