Sens Nation - Your Ottawa Senators Podcast

The Senators are back home after a wild five-game road trip, bouncing back from their Anaheim disaster with a 2-1 win in Buffalo. But as they prepare to face Utah, there are still plenty of questions.Tim Stützle keeps rolling and is now among the NHL's top 10 scorers. Linus Ullmark's return remains uncertain despite taking part in Friday's practice, while Samuel Ersson is suddenly giving Sens fans reason to feel better about the goaltending. Two straight wins, just two goals allowed. Did we panic too soon?Plus, Ridly Greig's status, James Reimer's disastrous stint with the Rangers, a n...

Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss the results of the California trip, the decision to start Jonas Johansson over Samuel Ersson, and whether GM Steve Staios has done enough to address the ongoing challenges in goal.Also on this episode:Philip Tomasino makes a strong first impression.Carter Yakemchuk is suddenly the seventh defenceman. Is that where he belongs?The Senators unveil their new Hometown Remix jerseys. Nikita Kucherov wants out of Tampa Bay! What's behind his trade request, and could he end up with a division rival?Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy break it all down on another...

The Ottawa Senators' injury problems are turning into a nightly game of whack-a-mole for Travis Green. Just when someone gets healthy, another player goes down. With Warren Foegele and Andre Burakovsky injured and Hayden Hodgson facing a suspension, the Sens may need emergency reinforcements from Belleville. Could Philip Tomasino, Xavier Bourgault or Kasper Halttunen be next in line?

Plus, Senators owner Michael Andlauer reveals what Brady Tkachuk said to the Senators bench during his heated return to Ottawa. Was it offside?

We're also talking about:

In this episode, we discuss one of the most memorable regular-season games in franchise history. The Senators hammered the Florida Panthers 5-1 on Wednesday night as former captain Brady Tkachuk was booed, jeered and serenaded with insulting chants from start to finish.

Steve and Gregg break down the wild atmosphere at Canadian Tire Centre, Brady's reaction to the hostile reception, and whether his trade request is turning out to be a blessing in disguise for the Senators.

And what about his former teammates? Is there some genuine bad blood between Tkachuk and the players and...

In this episode, Brady Tkachuk returns to Ottawa this week. Will it be boos or a welcome mat?

The former Senators captain is back in town for the first time since demanding a trade to Florida. How loud will the boos be? Will he face the Ottawa media? Will he score against his old team? And could things get physical with one of his former teammates?

Meanwhile, the Senators have signed head coach Travis Green to a contract extension through 2030-31. We discuss the timing of the deal and ask a simple question: What's the...

The Senators have had a roller-coaster week, with a win over New Jersey, an ugly loss to St. Louis, and a shootout victory over the Islanders. Now Travis Green has thrown his forward lines into a blender. Is it a necessary shakeup or an maybe an overreaction?

Stephen Halliday gets a shot alongside Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson, while some familiar top-six faces find themselves on the fourth line.

Meanwhile, William Eklund is out 10–12 weeks, Artem Zub is finally back, and Jake Sanderson is getting closer to returning.

Should Samuel Ersson get the...

The Senators keep finding ways to win.On this Thanksgiving weekend edition of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast, Steve and Gregg break down Ottawa's dramatic 3-2 shootout victory over the Nashville Predators, a game that saw the Senators go more than 22 minutes without a shot on goal before pulling off a late comeback.Tim Stützle continues to lead the way with eight points in five games, while Linus Ullmark is off to a terrific 4-0 start with a .942 save percentage. But there are some early concerns, including Stützle's heavy workload, Dylan Cozens' quiet start, and a...

The Senators are off to a 3-1 start, but the injuries are already piling up!Since our last episode, the Sens have picked up wins over Boston and Philadelphia, suffered a rough loss in Detroit, and lost another key player to injury.

William Eklund is now expected to miss significant time with an ankle injury, while Andre Burakovsky is getting closer to his season debut.Steve and Gregg discuss how the Senators can overcome their latest injury troubles, whether help should come from Belleville or outside the organization, and which players need to step up.

...

The Senators had to wait longer than everyone else to start their season, but it was worth the wait.The Sens went into Toronto and came away with a 3-2 win over the Maple Leafs, backed by a strong performance from Linus Ullmark and an impressive third period. We break down what we liked from the opener, including Thomas Chabot’s first game as captain, Claude Giroux’s impact and Ullmark getting a little help from SIX posts.

But the biggest concern coming out of the win is Jake Sanderson. He left the game early after feeling an i...

The NHL season is underway, and the Ottawa Senators are finally ready to join the party.

On this episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast, Steve and Gregg get you set for Saturday’s season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs and discuss the biggest story of the week: Thomas Chabot being named the 11th captain in Senators history, with Claude Giroux, Jake Sanderson and Tim Stützle serving as alternates.

We also dig into Ottawa’s growing injury concerns, with Artem Zub and Andre Burakovsky ruled out and questions still surrounding Sanderson and W...

In this episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast, we discuss the big wave of cuts the Senators made Sunday, and why the Sens appear to be keeping some extra bodies around because of injury concerns, particularly the ones involving Artem Zub, Jake Sanderson and Andre Burakovsky.

We also get into the loss of goaltender Leevi Meriläinen, who was claimed off waivers by the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, and the Sens' decision to acquire Jonas Johansson from the Tampa Bay Lightning to fill the vacancy.

That leaves the Senators with an interesting p...

The Sens are off to a slow start in preseason. More importantly, they have injuries to worry about, including Artem Zub, who won't be ready to start the season. At least. Who takes his place?

Is Yakemchuk ready? The Sens don't have much choice but to turn to him.

Leevi Merilainen was lost on waivers on Friday, which happened after our recording. The Canucks put in a claim for him. We look back on what he meant to the Sens two seasons ago.

Owner Michael Andlauer speaks on Tkachuk and says his family...

Drake Batherson joins us for a wide-ranging conversation just days after signing his new eight-year contract extension with the Senators.

Batherson explains why he never seriously doubted a deal would get done, how much it means to know he can focus entirely on hockey, and what it was like to receive roughly 250 congratulatory texts after the news became official. He also talks about calling his parents, celebrating with his teammates, and temporarily moving in with Jake Sanderson and Stephen Halliday while waiting to get the keys to his new home.

We also ask Batherson about...

Drake Batherson is staying in Ottawa for the long haul. Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy break down Batherson’s eight-year, $82-million contract extension, including the timing, trade protection and why his commitment matters after a turbulent summer for the Senators.

Also discussed: Batherson’s new deal: Is $10.25 million per season a fair price, and could the contract eventually become a bargain?

The NHL’s salary explosion: How offer sheets, a rising cap and massive young-player contracts could affect Thomas Chabot, Artem Zub and other Senators.

An unusually short training camp: With few roster openin...

Brady Tkachuk responds to criticisms he's heard that he checked out during his last season and a half in Ottawa. Steve and Gregg also discuss Tim Stützle’s response to Brad Marchand, Thomas Chabot’s captaincy chances and how Chris Kreider could have nicely filled Ottawa’s need for another top-six winger (he signed with MTL after recording time).Plus, an update on Jonas Lagerberg Hoen’s injury, the most intriguing names at Senators rookie camp, Carter Yakemchuk’s absence and why Gavin McKenna won’t face Ottawa at the Prospect Challenge in Gatineau.The Sens Nation Podcast is presented...

Travis Green believes his club has “more than enough team toughness,” but Steve and Gregg debate whether that's true and whether they need a legitimate heavyweight in the everyday lineup.Also on the show: Brad Marchand mocks Tim Stützle’s captaincy credentials; the Senators plan a tribute video for Brady Tkachuk’s return; They're not huge fans of the Sens' new “The Hill We Choose” slogan; Jaxon Cover gets an intriguing audition at centre; expectations for Gavin McKenna’s rookie season in Toronto; what Zeev Buium’s massive extension could mean for future contracts involving Artem Zub and Thomas Chabot; an...

September is here, and that means the return of Sens hockey. Will Drake Batherson get an eight-year extension before the September 15 deadline?

Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss whether letting the deadline pass would really be cause for concern. Should the Sens lock him up now or later? Or is there a chance that one side is thinking about other possibilities?

With training camp approaching, we also discuss:

• Is the Senators’ opening-night roster already set, with players mostly competing for roles?

• Why Jake Sanderson makes sense as Ottawa’s next captain, and what...

If the Senators go with a defenseman as their next captain, who should it be, Jake Sanderson or Thomas Chabot?Steve and Gregg examine the case for both, including leadership, loyalty, contracts, stability and the risk of another captain eventually wanting out.They also discuss Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request, whether players should lose some no-trade protection after asking to leave, and how Steve Staios handled Ottawa’s difficult Brady Tkachuk trade.Plus:• Could Fabian Zetterlund complete a line with William Eklund and Tim Stützle?• Is Warren Foegele a dark-horse top-six option?• The five greatest Ottawa-born and raised players in...

Tim Stützle has finally addressed Brady Tkachuk’s departure, saying the Senators will miss their former captain but must now focus on the players who want to be in Ottawa. Steve and Gregg react to Stützle’s comments and officially attempt to put further discussion of the trade behind them.

The guys also examine the pressure facing Travis Green after two straight playoff appearances—and whether simply making the postseason will still be enough this year.

Plus, could NHL expansion lead to an expanded playoff format? And former Senator Zdeno Chara celebrates his career w...

In this episode of Sens Nation, Drake Batherson reportedly wants the maximum eight-year commitment from the  Senators, and with the NHL’s new CBA rules looming, there's suddenly an important early bird deadline.

Steve and Gregg discuss what Batherson could command, the idea of paying him into his late 30s, and whether his desire to make Ottawa his long-term home should put him in the conversation to become the Senators’ next captain.

Plus, The Hockey News redrafts the 2020 NHL Draft and Jake Sanderson and Tim Stützle go 1-2. What would Ottawa’s incredible 2020 draft look lik...

The Senators have plenty of intriguing storylines as training camp approaches.

In this episode, Steve and Gregg discuss Carter Yakemchuk who now has his best opportunity yet to earn a full-time NHL job, after being one of Ottawa’s final training-camp cuts in each of the past two seasons.

The guys also look at some interesting revelations from the Senators’ latest Breakaway documentary, including the draft-night trade offers Steve Staios turned down from Vancouver and Pittsburgh, where Ottawa had Jonas Lagerberg Hoen ranked internally, and why the Senators selected him before Jaxon Cover.

Plus...

The Senators are getting closer to training camp. We look at some of the remaining free agents who might make sense on a PTO, including Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Laine, and Michael Bunting. We also discuss the five Senators with the most to prove in 2026-27, whether it's time for a deep look into Canada’s 33-year Stanley Cup drought, and whether the Sens would prefer to wait until next month to negotiate new contracts when the NHL’s maximum contract term drops from eight years to seven.Also on the show: the Senators are shut out of NHL.com’s top...

Logan Hensler is back on the ice after suffering THREE significant injuries to the same leg. A torn ACL, a ruptured ankle ligament and a high ankle sprain. We discuss the Senators’ 2025 first-round pick and where things stand in his recovery.We also get into William Eklund winning NHL Goal of the Year honours, plus Tim Stützle and Andre Burakovsky getting some recognition of their own.Drake Batherson is a club champion! The Senators winger fired rounds of 66 and 71 to win the Ken-Wo Golf Club championship — beating his own dad along the way. With Batherson also eligible for a new...

We've got plenty to break down in this episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast.Travis Green spoke publicly about Brady Tkachuk's departure, admitting he was "a little bit mad" and "a little bit surprised" by the captain's decision to leave Ottawa.

We discuss Green's comments and whether Jordan Spence is right when he says Tkachuk's exit could actually make the Senators a better team.

We also dive into the blockbuster contract signed by Macklin Celebrini in San Jose. At just 20 years old, Celebrini lands a five-year deal worth $18.8 million per season. What...

In this episode, we discuss whether the Senators are still likely to be a playoff team in a very difficult Atlantic Division. We each choose our top six forwards. The first four are easy; the last two are not. What we won't miss about Brady Tkachuk this season. With Tkachuk gone and Kurtis MacDermid seldom used, do the Senators need to add more toughness? And why rostering three NHL goalies is a bad idea.🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/sensnationVisit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey:https://sensnationhockey.com🎙️ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS🚗 Jim Keay Fo...

Steve Staios made the media rounds this week, and he sounds pretty comfortable with the Ottawa Senators’ scoring ability up front. But should he be? We discuss whether the Sens still need another proven finisher and what Staios might be looking for before the season begins.

Staios also says Daniel Alfredsson’s spot on the coaching staff won’t be filled. Does that suggest the role was created specifically for Alfie — and what does it tell us about his departure?

Also on the show:

• Does Jason Robertson’s new $12 million deal in Dallas deal help or...

In this episode, we discuss the rest disadvantage the Senators face with their new schedule, especially when compared to Montreal. Shane Pinto tries his hand at pro golf, and we discuss how he fared. With massive new summer deals to Connor Bedard ($15M) and Leo Carlsson ($18M), is there any way the Sens can re-sign Batherson for under $10 million? Steve Yzerman is out in Detroit, and Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon put his entire family's names on the Cup before anyone else's.

The Senators continue to make headlines, and we've got plenty to break down on this episode of the Sens Nation Podcast.

Shane Pinto speaks publicly for the first time since Brady Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers, and his comments challenge some of the narrative that's been circulating in the media about Tkachuk's departure.

Claude Giroux also met with the media via Zoom following his new contract, discussing leadership, his decision to return to Ottawa, and the opportunity that lies ahead for this year's Senators team.

Nick Cousins reacts to a new...

Thanks to our sponsors https://jimkeayford.com, https://midas.com, https://teamhardingcomfort.com/. If you're enjoying the show, you can buy us a coffee by becoming a member on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/sensnation Or hit subscribe, share and leave a comment to keep the channel growing.In this episode, we discuss the Summer of Captains Jumping Ship. Daniel Alfredsson joins the Leafs, and Brady Tkachuk joins the Panthers. Elliotte Friedman says he got a call from a Senators player who said the players were tired of the noise and that his podcast was causing problems.<...

In this episode, we discuss the Claude Giroux case. Is he really planning to sign elsewhere? Are the Flyers waiting on Anaheim's answer to Leo Karlsson's offer sheet? Why is Steve Staios waiting around for an answer when it might be no? The Sens re-signed Nick Cousins and Leevi Merilainen, so we get into that. And we project an opening night roster without Giroux (or Brady Tkachuk).

The Senators had one of the busiest NHL Draft weekends ever, and we're breaking down everything.

Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss Ottawa's acquisition of goaltender Samuel Ersson, the gamble on veteran winger Andre Burakovsky, the re-signing of Jordan Spence, and why Steve Staios believes William Eklund fills a major need as a playmaker.

We also examine a draft class loaded with skilled forwards, including first-round picks Jonas Lagerberg Hoen and Jaxon Cover, and what their selections say about the organization's long-term vision.In this episode:

🥅 Is Samuel Ersson really an upgrade in goa...

In this episode, we discuss the Brady Tkachuk and Steve Staios press conferences, where they both discussed the big deal. We break down the Sens acquiring William Eklund and two prospects for the 9th overall draft pick on Friday. Is Staios done dealing, or is there more to come? Mike Grier talks about why he traded Eklund. We talk about the NHL Draft and the possibility of free agent Connor Ingram filling the backup role in Ottawa. Former Senators head coach DJ Smith agrees to work alongside Mike Babcock in Edmonton. And last year's Belleville head coaches, David Bell...

The Brady Tkachuk era in Ottawa is over.

In one of the biggest trades in franchise history, the Senators have sent their captain to the Florida Panthers for three first-round picks and a second-rounder.

Now what?

In this emergency episode of Sens Nation, Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy break down the blockbuster deal, why it happened, and what comes next for the Ottawa Senators.

Among the topics:

🏒 Did the Senators get enough for Brady Tkachuk?

🏒 Why did Steve Staios make this move now?

🏒 Is another major tra...

The Stanley Cup Final is over, and now all eyes turn to what could be a crucial offseason for the Ottawa Senators.In this episode, we first break down Carolina's championship run, discuss what's next for John Tortorella and Rod Brind'Amour, and look at Jordan Staal's impressive playoff performance as he ages like fine wine.We also dive into the Sens' offseason outlook, including the challenge of taking the next step when the prospect cupboard is so thin, and you're not a popular free agent destination. We discuss how the Senators should approach the NHL Draft, highlight two prospects...

Out on the patio, we talk Sens hockey with former Ottawa Senator Brad Smyth.

If you were handed the keys to the Senators for one day, what move would you make? We debate Ottawa's biggest offseason priorities, whether the Carolina Hurricanes' sustained success should influence how we evaluate the Senators, and what the future might hold for some of the organization's top young talent.

We also discuss Don Boyd's recent comments on Carter Yakemchuk, whether Brady Tkachuk's career path could eventually mirror players like Quinn Hughes or Dylan Larkin, and what Darnell Nurse's situation says...

In this episode, we discuss a positive Michael Andlauer media availability on Friday morning. We get into NHL awards season, and some of the Senators garnered some serious votes. Dylan Larkin reportedly wanted a trade out of Detroit, so another Team USA NHL captain wants out. Changes to the NHL All-Star game and skills competition that no one wants. Claude Giroux gets the rarest kind of hole-in-one this week. PWHL expansion draft losses. And some thoughts on the Cup Final so far.

In this one, we discuss the latest trade chatter out there about Mason McTavish, who caught up in the rumour mill for a second straight offseason. Belleville coaching candidate Jay McKee heads elsewhere, signing with the Islanders organization. The Sens hire Linus Ullmark's personal goalie coach. Nikolas Matinpalo is a world champion with Finland, and it's been a tough year for Team Canada.

On this episode of Sens Nation, we discuss Pierre LeBrun’s report that Claude Giroux has decided to return for another season, and whether it’s only a matter of time before he and the Ottawa Senators get a deal done.We also debate whether pending unrestricted free agent Viktor Arvidsson could be a good fit in Ottawa, and whether moving Dylan Cozens to the wing would make sense for the Senators this fall.Plus:Montreal Canadiens fans in Gatineau, along with the Quebec government, push back after the NHL shut down a planned Habs viewing party at the Slus...

In this episode, brought to you by Jim Keay, Harding Your Home Comfort Centre, and Midas Ottawa, we discuss Kevin Weekes' report that the Senators may be interested in Buffalo Sabres goalie Devon Levi. Would Levi be an upgrade on Leevi? Did the Senators shut down a Montreal Canadiens fan watch party in Gatineau? Former Senator Dave Cameron is back with the 67's and we talk about the two NHL Conference Finals.

Former Panthers head coach Doug MacLean weighs in on Brady Tkachuk, we discuss the kind of contract we think Jordan Spence will end up with, we get into Vegas losing a draft pick over snubbing the media, and the excellence of Sidney Crosby, showing up for Canada once again. And how the Senators have figured in some of the biggest World Championship goals of all time.