Pinto’s summer skating with Batherson and others signals a rising core ready for bigger roles. He’s expected to push for more ice time behind Ottawa’s top lines as the club leans into its youth movement.

Batherson is part of Ottawa’s young core, sharpening his game in Halifax summer skates and poised to capitalize on faster, more cohesive lines as the club builds chemistry ahead of camp.

Spence, 24, arrives from Los Angeles in a March trade, back in Canada with a homecoming vibe and a clean slate to earn ice time behind an injured Jensen. He’s eager to learn the Senators system and contribute immediately, building chemistry with the core while absorbing mentorship from veterans.

Tkachuk sets the tone by arriving early, demanding another gear and signaling Ottawa aims higher than merely returning to the playoffs. His leadership anchors a roster leaning on a rising core (Batherson, Pinto) while a quick Camp start suggests a more aggressive approach and a push for deeper chemistry.

Eller’s departure concedes a veteran center spot as Washington shifts toward youth. His exit opens minutes for younger centers in D.C. and creates room for organizational depth charts to re-balance, while Ottawa adds a veteran presence elsewhere in the league.