NHL analyst "cautiously optimistic" about Ottawa Senators' playoff chances after continuously disappointing postseasons

The Ottawa Senators last made the playoffs in 2017, so fans have been waiting a long time for a postseason appearance. As the club prepares for the 2024-25 season, there's optimism about their chances of ending their playoff drought this year.

Young stars like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle, as well as the addition of Vezina-winning goalie Linus Ullmark and other key players under new coach Travis Green, will be crucial for the Senators as they look to return to the playoffs.

NHL analyst Frankie Corrado expressed a "cautiously optimistic" outlook on the Ottawa Senators' playoff chances on SportsCentre with host Jay Onrait. Corrado noted that the new management group has made significant moves to enhance the team, aiming to support star players.

"We've been anointing the Ottawa Senators as a playoff team in waiting for years, and we couldn't have been more wrong," said Corrado. "So, I'm cautiously optimistic about this group."

He added:

"Everything the new management group did, they did with a purpose. They added a top-notch goaltender in Ullmark, a veteran right-handed shot on defense in Jensen, and Stanley Cup champions like Perron.

"They brought in veterans to supplement Brady Tkachuk's production and a coach, Travis Green, who's excellent at getting the most out of his players."

While he acknowledged the improvements, Corrado emphasized that the Senators need to prove themselves on the ice, as they have fallen short of expectations in the past.

He reckons that while there's potential, it's too early to label the Senators as a guaranteed playoff team. The focus now is on delivering results after years of disappointment.

---

Ottawa Senators coach optimistic about Josh Norris

Josh Norris sustained a left shoulder injury last term, which limited his participation to only 50 games, accumulating 30 points through 16 goals and 14 assists before being placed on long-term injured reserve.

Senators coach Travis Green is optimistic about Norris' readiness for training camp, saying that he expects Norris to be a full participant (via Ottawa Citizen's Bruce Garrioch):

"He's been a full participant in everything for awhile now. The expectations are that he will be ready go," Green said.

The Senators kicked off their training camp on Wednesday. On Sunday, they travel to Scotiabank Arena to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in a preseason matchup.