Ottawa opened training camp intent on playoff advancement, but Alex Formenton won’t participate as the club pursues a fresh start and explores a trade in light of his acquittal on sexual assault charges from 2018. The roster focus shifts to internal competition and building on last season’s breakthrough, with leadership from Brady Tkachuk and a mix of new and returning faces ready to push for ice time.

Jordan Spence joins the defense alongside a healthy return to form from Nick Jensen and the ongoing evaluation of Tim Stutzle’s right-wing line, potentially pairing with Fabian Zetterlund or Claude Giroux. Lars Eller signed for a year, Dylan Cozens and Zetterlund are in the lineup, and the camp cadence is set by a demanding, growth-oriented coaching staff. The team remains hopeful about early-season durability and depth as they navigate roster decisions and development pathways.

Injury notes center on Jensen’s hip rehab and Eller’s minor abdominal procedure, which could influence the opening roster. The camp atmosphere emphasizes competition, accountability, and players rising to the challenge, with Staios and Green signaling that the best answers will emerge from the group rather than outside additions.

Five Team Canada players cleared of charges become eligible to sign in October, with Dec. 1 readiness on the line. Alex Formenton has already headed overseas; Cal Foote, Dillon Dube, Michael McLeod and Carter Hart are eyeing their next steps, Hart attracting the most attention as a possible Edmonton Oilers addition. Edmonton must balance a potential goaltending boost from Hart against fan backlash, plus a two-year layoff that complicates immediate contribution behind Skinner and Pickard.