What will new contracts look like for Senators' Spence, Batherson and others?

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Cousins was elevated to the shutdown line midway through the year and was serviceable for a respectable amount of time. He finished second on the team in hits (169) and remained energetic and tenacious for each of the four games against the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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One more year and then we’ll talk again next summer?

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Projection: One year, $1.5 million

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Leevi Merilainen (RFA)

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Merilainen would be the first to admit he wasn’t at his best this past season.

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It’s understandable, given that goaltenders take a considerable number of years to develop at the pro level and he’s still only 23. He needs to figure out how to look larger in the crease, fight through screens and tighten up the holes under his arms, but he’s got incredible athletic ability and an impressive demeanour. It’ll work out.

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Projection: Two years, $1 million AAV

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Drake Batherson (UFA in 2027)

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Batherson is going to be looking for a hefty contract, and he’s earned a lucrative ticket. It’s the worst kept secret that the winger has been signed to the best bargain in the National Hockey League for a while now (six years, $4.975 million AAV).

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Batherson’s scoring touch and power play prowess — a career-high 33 goals and team-leading 30 points on the man advantage in 2025-26 — helps get you to the postseason. And once the Senators got to the playoffs in 2026, Batherson was one of two players to score a goal, leading the team with four points (three goals, one assist) in the 4-0 series loss. Though, his defensive game leaves much to be desired, and it’s questionable whether he’s the right fit alongside Tim Stutzle on the first line.

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What is he worth? Probably something between $7-8 million.

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But he’ll likely get more.

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Projection: Seven years, $8.4 million

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Artem Zub (UFA in 2027)

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Zub is an interesting case.

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He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive defencemen in the league, but how much does playing with Jake Sanderson affect that perception?

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According to Natural Stat Trick, at 5-on-5 this past season Sanderson and Zub had an expected goals for percentage of 54.69. That’s outstanding, some of the best numbers across the league. But when Sanderson was out with a shoulder injury, Zub struggled mightily. In 177 minutes with Thomas Chabot, the pair had an xGF% of 44.26; in 156 minutes with Tyler Kleven, 41.3.

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Zub’s fundamentals are legit, and he’s one of the tougher defencemen to play against in the NHL. Before he was injured in Game 1 against Carolina, he was the only Sens blue liner to hold his own against the Canes’ all-out blitz.

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Zub will likely get more term and money on the open market if he chooses to wait, but he’s a creature of habit and already has a great relationship with the equipment staff in Ottawa. He seems genuinely happy in the nation’s capital.

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Projection: Five years, $6.2 million AAV

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Who won’t be back?

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As Garrioch mentioned in the story we previously alluded to, the club is expected to move on from forward Lars Eller, defenceman Nick Jensen and goalie Mads Sogaard.

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Defenceman Dennis Gilbert was steady at times with the big club, but Staios should be able to find an upgrade come July 1.

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In the minor leagues, winger Arthur Kaliyev led the American Hockey League in goals (40) but wasn’t recalled to the NHL past mid-October. He’s earned another look at the highest level, and he’s probably realized by now that it won’t be with Ottawa.

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Bolstering Belleville

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Graeme Clarke

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Ottawa’s own Graeme Clarke was shot out of a cannon in his first few games with the Belleville Senators after being acquired ahead of the trade deadline. Transitioning back to his natural position at centre, he had nine points (four goals, five assists) in his first three contests with his new club, and finished the season with Ottawa’s AHL affiliate recording 19 points and a plus-3 rating in 15 games. The 25-year-old told the Ottawa Citizen back in March that he wanted to sign with the organization in the offseason. Perhaps a minimal risk, prove-it contract makes sense for both sides.