How much change is coming in Ottawa if they miss the playoffs?

In an increasingly volatile NHL, optimism can be fleeting. Last season, the Ottawa Senators made the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Despite losing in the first round to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team appeared to be on an upward trajectory, led by young players such as forwards Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuck, and defenseman Jake Sanderson.

This year, however, things have not progressed as anticipated in Ottawa. With 16 games left to play in the regular season, the Senators sit three points back of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Even with a 7-1-2 record in their last 10 games, they still have a lot of work to do to avoid a letdown season. If Ottawa does fall short of the postseason, what changes, if any, could they make this offseason to ensure they get back on track?

On Monday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Brent Wallace joined Tyler Yaremchuk and Steve Peters to discuss the potential fall out if Ottawa’s postseason expectations aren’t met.

Tyler Yaremchuk: If they miss by two points, will ownership and upper management kind of recognize that “Hey, it just wasn’t out year,” or would there be a call for some amount of change?

Brent Wallace: Regardless, as you know, every year there’s change with players because of free agency. Right now, Ottawa’s playing without Jake Sanderson for the next couple of weeks probably; their number-one D obviously. They’re also missing Nick Jensen, he’s out and they’ve won both these games over the weekend without either one of those guys in their top four. Nick Jensen’s going to likely be gone. I’m not sure where Lars Eller or Claude Giroux, or even Nick Cousins fit in next year’s plans. They’re going to have to make some changes. They need to figure out a way to bolster their blueline a little bit.

I know what you’re getting at, Tyler. You’re asking me if they’re thinking about trading Linus Ullmark. I don’t know if that’s a discussion. I don’t know where that’s at. He’s in year one of his four-year extension that pays him $8.25 million. I think they believe in him enough to let him see and play his way through this. But it is an interesting question.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…