Like the Red Wings, the Ottawa Senators are a team that has been relatively quiet so far this offseason. A few low-key moves have the Senators set to roll into the 2025-26 season with a similar squad from last season.
Detroit has struggled against Ottawa in recent years. Since the start of the 2021-22 season, the Red Wings have just three wins in 15 matchups against the Senators.
In a tough Atlantic Division, Detroit must start picking up some wins against Ottawa this season - especially after the Senators have been quiet this offseason after making the postseason last year.
Ottawa added depth and veteran leadership, but Detroit needs better results in head-to-head matchups
Ottawa was a playoff team a season ago. They ultimately fell in six games to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round. The moves they've made so far this offseason aren't going to radically shift their outlook for the 2025-26 season, but they have brought in some depth and veteran leadership to a young core that is ready to take the next step.
After bringing in Fabian Zetterlund from San Jose last season, the Senators inked the 25-year-old forward to a three-year, $12.825 million contract. Zetterlund totaled 41 points on 19 goals and 22 assists over 84 games with the Sharks and Senators last season. He scored just two goals and dished out three assists in 20 games with Ottawa.
The Senators also signed veteran Lars Eller to a one-year, $1.25 million contract for the 2025-26 season. Eller is entering his age-37 season, and brings a strong veteran presence to Ottawa's locker room. He also has plenty of postseason experience, as he has 112 career playoff games under his belt.
In a trade with Los Angeles on June 28, the Senators acquired defenseman Jordan Spence in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Spence played in 79 games with the Kings last season, scoring four goals and collecting 24 assists while averaging 16:47 of ice time. He also posted a rating of plus-23.
Ottawa's postseason transactions aren't too different from Detroit's. In addition to re-signing Patrick Kane, Steve Yzerman brought in veterans like James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton to round out Detroit's forward group. He also traded for John Gibson to shore up Detroit's goaltending.
The Red Wings and Senators don't meet until Jan. 5. They then battle on Jan. 18, Feb. 26, and March 24. Those are already dates that Red Wings fans should have circled on their calendars.
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