It’s hard to keep up with all the latest Senators news during the summer, especially in the bliss of a long, hot, glorious weekend. But as always, we’ve got you covered with The Hockey News-Ottawa’s Week in Review.
Are you sitting comfortably? Then we will begin.
It seems like five minutes ago center Colin White was a big part of the Ottawa Senators’ young core, or at least was considered as such. Today August arrived and he remains an unrestricted free agent. After how things went last season, it looks like it could be the end of his NHL days.
Related: Former Ottawa Senator Colin White’s first-round NHL journey could be complete
The Senators have made a big change in their communications department, hiring two prominent local journalists who have long covered the team.
Best in class: It’s hard not to be encouraged by what the Senators’ new ownership and management have done in their first season. But here are four critical improvements they’ve made that have absolutely nothing to do with specific player transactions.
Related: Ottawa Senators: Four major organizational changes that go far beyond player transactions
With Tyler Kleven, Jacob Bernard-Docker and Travis Hamonic all in contention for 5-6-7 duty, there are likely to be concerns about the Senators’ blue line depth for this season.
Related: Ottawa Senators: Reinforcing third pairing on defense
Now that we are in August, the free agent market has slowed down. But we identified three defensemen who wouldn’t be expensive and would bolster Ottawa’s aforementioned blue line depth.
Related: Three free agent defenders who could help the Ottawa Senators’ roster depth
The Senators quietly signed Adam Gaudette to a one-year contract this summer. In his brief stint with St. Louis this season, he talked about becoming a better two-way player. And leading the AHL in scoring speaks for itself. Could he open the door to Sens camp this fall?
Related: Second round: Expect newly hired Adam Gaudette to push for job in Ottawa this fall
All the goalkeeping talk this summer has been about the arrival of Linus Ullmark. But we have reason to believe that Anton Forsberg could have a better season than people think. Honestly, there’s nowhere to go but up.
Related: Why Ottawa Senators goaltender Anton Forsberg could be primed for a bounce-back season
Did you know that the Senators only drafted four players from each of the two major local junior hockey clubs? Just for fun, we reviewed the list of Ottawa 67’s and Gatineau Olympiques who were drafted and/or played for the Senators.
Related: Olympiques Watch: The 5 best Gatineau/Hull Olympiques to ever play for the Ottawa Senators
Huzah! There will be real Sens hockey on the way next month.
Related: Ottawa Senators: Schedule released for Prospect Challenge in Buffalo next month
Former Senators coach Dave Cameron prepared to put Canada’s World Junior Team hopefuls to the test this week at summer training camp.
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