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New York Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Senators GM Steve Staios doubles down on core with quiet start to free agency
OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators emerged from the opening day of NHL free agency having satisfied two major items on their offseason list. The first? Establishing and maintaining their salary cap flexibility, with over $5 million in remaining space, per PuckPedia. The second? Signing Lars Eller as their fourth-line centre and plugging a hole at the bottom of the forward corps. Advertisement A much quieter July 1 than last year, when they acquired Nick Jensen, Michael Amadio, Noah Gregor and David Perron. 'It was comforting going into this year, where we were looking for one specific area that if we could improve in it, we would,' Senators GM Steve Staios said Tuesday afternoon. 'We had our sights set on a certain individual, and it was Lars. If not, then we would've looked at other avenues to be able to do it. But we're excited to have him.' Staios spoke to the media moments after reports surfaced of Eller signing a one-year deal with the Senators. The deal has performance bonuses that will bring the max value of the contract to $2.25 million. It was Ottawa's biggest signing of the day. Staios made subtle tweaks to the roster as he said he would over the weekend, bringing back Nick Cousins and adding forward Olle Lycksell as depth. That came after the Sens re-signed Claude Giroux and added Jordan Spence via trade. Save for organizational moves in Belleville, that might be the full extent of Ottawa's shopping this offseason. Unless something drastic changes. 'I guess we'll see,' Staios said. 'Most likely not. We feel comfortable with where we are.' The Senators' relative lack of activity in recent days, at least compared to most other teams around the league, speaks to Staios' belief that his core can continue to progress as other rival teams take steps to either maintain their foothold in the playoffs or catch up. The pressure is on the roster to take that next step, mostly as currently constructed. 'We feel like we have a good plan in place for this group,' Staios said. '(We're) mindful of this group and their growth and their development. And I think it can't emphasize that enough. They are taking hold of it. The manager is there to support it and to make sure that you could add to where you need to add. The emphasis is on this group. Advertisement 'So, making additions is strategic to this group. I don't think that they need so much as the support around them to continue to grow and develop together.' It's consistent with how Staios has felt about the Senators at numerous times this season, even as concerns about their ability to score at five-on-five grew. Staios eventually addressed those concerns by acquiring Dylan Cozens and Fabian Zetterlund at the deadline, part of the overall changes in preparation for next year. 'It's been a little bit of a slow roll,' Staios said. But those changes come as his Atlantic Division foes have experienced significant movement. Yes, there's the Mitch Marner thing. But we're not talking about that here. And granted, it was difficult for many around the hockey world to keep track of the NHL's free agent news on July 1 as it came fast and furious. Even Staios wasn't up to date, for good reason. 'I haven't really seen what the other teams have done, and we're focused on what we're doing here, and we don't get distracted by what other teams are doing,' Staios said. Montreal traded for Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders over the weekend and added Zachary Bolduc and Sammy Blais for their fourth line. Detroit brought on John Gibson in the hopes of improving their goaltending. Boston acquired Viktor Arvidsson for a mid-round draft pick, in a type of deal that might have suited Staios, before adding Tanner Jeannot for their fourth line and signing Morgan Geekie long-term. Those are all teams that might fight Ottawa for a playoff spot come next April. The division still has Florida, Toronto and Tampa Bay at the top. But we don't expect that much of a drop-off for those three teams, especially since they each still possess elite players who can help power them through the regular season and beyond. Not to mention, each of those teams ended the season with better-ranked offences than Ottawa, whether overall or at five-on-five. Only two other Atlantic Division teams, Detroit and Boston, finished the regular season with fewer goals than Ottawa. Advertisement If the Senators continue to experience offensive woes, we'll go back to the offseason as an opportunity lost for Staios to improve his team. Signing Giroux back is a boost for the core as they lean on veterans in their transition. Expecting Zetterlund to produce more than he did in his handful of games with Ottawa could be a good bet. But that need for a top-six scorer still lingers. If that opportunity comes to accommodate said scorer, some cap space remains. The Senators won't have to worry about yo-yoing players back and forth from the NHL to the AHL in the name of saving money, as they did with Adam Gaudette, who will spend the next two seasons in San Jose. Having that $5 million plus in cap space is still a victory for the Senators on an otherwise quiet day. But if the right deal comes along, it's something they can tap into. 'Cap space is important moving forward,' Staios said. For now, Staios seems content with his core. The next step could even be a Shane Pinto extension, as Staios confirmed negotiations would be on the horizon. Staios' moves and words continue to affirm his belief in the core he's assembled. As was the case throughout the regular season, it's on the Senators to prove him right. (Top photo of the Ottawa Senators: Chris Tanouye / Freestyle Photography / Getty Images)
CTV News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Senators sign forwards Lars Eller, Nick Cousins to one-year contracts
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) pokes the puck off the stick of Ottawa Senators' Nick Cousins (21) during second period NHL playoff action in Ottawa, on Thursday, April 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang The Ottawa Senators signed forwards Lars Eller and Nick Cousins to one-year contracts on the opening day of NHL free agency Tuesday. Eller joins the Senators on a US$1.25-million deal after producing six goals and nine assists in 63 games with the Washington Capitals last season. The 36-year-old centre from Denmark will play for his sixth franchise after previous stints in St. Louis, Montreal, Colorado and Pittsburgh. Cousins re-signed on a $825,000 contract after recording 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 50 regular-season games for Ottawa in 2024-25. He also suited up in five of six games during the team's first-round appearance against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old had signed a one-year, $800,000 deal to join the Senators last summer after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24. Cousins was a third-round pick (68th overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. The five-foot-11, 186-pound centre has amassed 195 points (77 goals, 118 assists) in 642 career games having also spent time in Arizona, Montreal, Vegas and Nashville. The Senators did not retain goalie Anton Forsberg and defenceman Dennis Gilbert. Forsberg signed a two-year, $4.5-million contract with the Los Angeles Kings a day after Ottawa inked 22-year-old goalie Leevi Merilainen to a one-year extension. Merilainen will backup Linus Ullmark next season. Gilbert, who joined the Senators from the Buffalo Sabres in the Dylan Cozens-Josh Norris swap at last season's deadline, put pen to paper on a one-year, $875,000 deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Senators sign forwards Lars Eller, Nick Cousins to one-year contracts
OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators signed forwards Lars Eller and Nick Cousins to one-year contracts on the opening day of NHL free agency Tuesday. Eller joins the Senators on a US$1.25-million deal after producing six goals and nine assists in 63 games with the Washington Capitals last season. The 36-year-old centre from Denmark will play for his sixth franchise after previous stints in St. Louis, Montreal, Colorado and Pittsburgh. Cousins re-signed on a $825,000 contract after recording 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 50 regular-season games for Ottawa in 2024-25. He also suited up in five of six games during the team's first-round appearance against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old had signed a one-year, $800,000 deal to join the Senators last summer after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24. Cousins was a third-round pick (68th overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. The five-foot-11, 186-pound centre has amassed 195 points (77 goals, 118 assists) in 642 career games having also spent time in Arizona, Montreal, Vegas and Nashville. The Senators did not retain goalie Anton Forsberg and defenceman Dennis Gilbert. Forsberg signed a two-year, $4.5-million contract with the Los Angeles Kings a day after Ottawa inked 22-year-old goalie Leevi Merilainen to a one-year extension. Merilainen will backup Linus Ullmark next season. Gilbert, who joined the Senators from the Buffalo Sabres in the Dylan Cozens-Josh Norris swap at last season's deadline, put pen to paper on a one-year, $875,000 deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025.
Global News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Senators sign Eller, Cousins to one-year deals
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators signed forwards Lars Eller and Nick Cousins to one-year contracts on the opening day of NHL free agency Tuesday. Eller joins the Senators on a US$1.25-million deal after producing six goals and nine assists in 63 games with the Washington Capitals last season. The 36-year-old centre from Denmark will play for his sixth franchise after previous stints in St. Louis, Montreal, Colorado and Pittsburgh. Cousins re-signed on a $825,000 contract after recording 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 50 regular-season games for Ottawa in 2024-25. Story continues below advertisement He also suited up in five of six games during the team's first-round appearance against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The 31-year-old had signed a one-year, $800,000 deal to join the Senators last summer after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24. Cousins was a third-round pick (68th overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. The five-foot-11, 186-pound centre has amassed 195 points (77 goals, 118 assists) in 642 career games having also spent time in Arizona, Montreal, Vegas and Nashville. The Senators did not retain goalie Anton Forsberg and defenceman Dennis Gilbert. Forsberg signed a two-year, $4.5-million contract with the Los Angeles Kings a day after Ottawa inked 22-year-old goalie Leevi Merilainen to a one-year extension. Merilainen will backup Linus Ullmark next season. Gilbert, who joined the Senators from the Buffalo Sabres in the Dylan Cozens-Josh Norris swap at last season's deadline, put pen to paper on a one-year, $875,000 deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
5 realistic Rangers options in 2025 NHL free agency, including Vladislav Gavrikov
The New York Rangers head into the start of NHL free agency with approximately $13.14 million in salary cap space, and without a resolution yet on restricted free agents K'Andre Miller and Will Cuylle. This will hinder what the Rangers will be able to accomplish once the free agency begins Tuesday at Noon ET, but you'd have to think they'll still be involved to some degree. To assume the Rangers will run it back with the exact roster that didn't make the playoffs this past season doesn't seem like something team owner James Dolan would sign off on. Even minimal additions will have to be made perhaps without a resolution on some of the rest of the roster, cautiously of course. Teams are allowed to be 10 percent over the cap during the offseason. Rome wasn't built in a day, and it's possible July 1 comes and goes without all their questions answered. But, let's dive into some realistic free agency targets for the Rangers. Related: Zac Jones, Arthur Kaliyev don't receive qualifying offers from Rangers, become free agents July 1 Vladislav Gavrikov (D) The hulking 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive defenseman has been linked to the Rangers all offseason. With the Rangers looking to be harder to play against on the back end, it would be difficult to find a better solution in the market. Advertisement The mutual interest and excellent fit are well and good. But Gavrikov won't come cheaply. Not after Ivan Provorov, the best Gavrikov comp as a top-four, left-shot defenseman, re-signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday for seven years at $8.5 million annually. Ouch. Still, Gavrikov appears to be the Rangers' top UFA target this summer. So, let's see what general manager Chris Drury might have up his sleeve to get this deal done. Gavrikov is a stable, physical presence, and would greatly bolster a back end that lacks jam and physicality. The 29-year-old also had 30 points last season and played all 82 games, averaging 23+ minutes TOI. He'd also be the most solid partner Adam Fox has had. with the Rangers, no disrespect to Ryan Lindgren. Lars Eller (C) Though the Rangers would likely prefer to add a third-line center at the level of Christian Dvorak, the limited cap space makes this hard to imagine. Especially with other teams needing immediate center depth even more so than the Rangers, driving prices up. So, enter the bargain option that is 2018 Stanley Cup champion Lars Eller. At 36 years old, Eller is still an above-average skater, per NHL Edge. He has good size, is defensively responsible and committed to the forecheck, which would be a welcomed addition to what could be a very youthful third line no matter how you slice it. Add in that he's played previously under Rangers coach Mike Sullivan, and there's reason to believe Eller would be a solid bargain signing on a one-year deal. This past season, he split time between Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals following an early season trade, finishing with 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 80 games. Nick Bjugstad (C) This center has been linked to the Rangers in the past and could also come at a discount after a down season with Utah. He's younger (32 years old) and bigger (6 foot-6) than Eller, though not nearly as consistent. After scoring eight goals and totaling 19 points in 66 games this past season, Bjugstad may not have big market for his services. So, signing a one-year 'prove it' deal makes sense here for both sides. There is value in Bjugstad's all-around game. He scored 22 goals and 45 points for the Coyotes in 2023-24. He's bounced around the League, but he'd be affordable and motivated to land a richer contract next summer, in theory, if the Rangers signed him. Joe Veleno (C) Talia Sprague-Imagn Images Here's another center option for the Rangers. Veleno was bought out by the Seattle Kraken and is now an unrestricted free agent. He had only eight goals and 17 points last season, and has never lived up to being a first-round pick (No. 30 overall) by the Detroit Red Wings in 2018. Veleno has 38 goals and 81 points in 306 NHL games. Advertisement But the Rangers could use a youthful center with NHL experience, and Veleno is 25 years old. So, there's room for growth here if the Rangers believe in the player. He'd be an affordable option that could grow into a longer-term bottom-six option. At one time, there was little doubt about Veleno, who a decade ago was granted exceptional status in the QMJHL at just 15 years old. Perhaps Veleno can be the next Morgan Geekie, who wasn't qualified by the Kraken at 24 years old in 2022-23 before he signed with the aging Boston Bruins. Since then, Geekie's scored 17 and 33 goals in two seasons. That could be a reach for Veleno, but it's worth taking a long look at him if you're the Rangers. Dmitry Orlov (D) / Brian Dumoulin (D) If the Rangers don't sign Gavrikov, they need a Plan B option. That could simply be re-signing Miller and keeping Carson Soucy as their to play the left side on the top two pairings. Or the Rangers could pivot to a veteran stop-gap option. There are two who should be pretty affordable, each 33 years old, and a Stanley Cup champion. Advertisement Brian Dumoulin was very good splitting last season between the Anaheim Ducks and New Jersey Devils, especially in the playoffs when the Devils defense was decimated by injuries. He's not a star, but he is a stout defender that can still play on your second pair. He also played most of his career under Sullivan with the Penguins, including as a regular on two Cup- winning teams in 2016 and 2017. Dmitry Orlov had 28 points and was plus-16, averaging 20 minutes TOI over 76 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. He was exposed in the Eastern Conference Final by the Florida Panthers, but can still play effectively on a second pairing Neither is a sexy option. But each could be a decent short-term solution. Related Headlines
