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.

Jersey numbers aren’t just styling choices for players; they signal habit, history and a hint of future role. Flyers fans will watch 2025-26 unfold with Sean Couturier in 14, Sam Ersson in 33, and Bobby Brink in 10, each choice tied to personal lore and team tradition. New additions carry numbers that angle toward roles to watch: Travis Konecny at 11, Trevor Zegras returning to 46 with Anaheim, and Christian Dvorak shifting to 22. Dvorak’s move mirrors Pelletier’s last-season 22, a nod to Flyers context and history. On defense, Dennis Gilbert lands 48 while Noah Juulsen takes 47, with Dan Vladař holding 80. The mix foregrounds how numbers can illuminate, but fantasy value still hinges on ice time, line combos and performance rather than digits.

Claude Giroux has signed a one-year contract with the Ottawa Senators, featuring a base salary of $2 million and potential bonuses that could elevate its total value to $4.75 million. The 37-year-old forward had a solid season with 50 points, including 15 goals and 35 assists, playing a crucial role in the Senators’ first playoff appearance since 2017.

Senators' GM Steve Staios praised Giroux for his veteran leadership and competitive spirit, emphasizing the importance of his presence both on and off the ice. Giroux expressed his enjoyment of the season, noting the camaraderie in the locker room and his aspirations to contribute significantly in the coming year. Having amassed over 1,100 career points, Giroux's experience will be invaluable for a Senators team eager to build on its recent playoff experience.

Claude Giroux will remain with the Ottawa Senators for another season after signing a one-year contract worth $2 million, with additional incentives. The veteran forward, who has played 18 seasons in the NHL, contributed 50 points in the past season, significantly aiding the Senators' return to the playoffs for the first time in eight years.

Meanwhile, Dante Fabbro has secured a four-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets for $16.5 million after impressing since his acquisition from Nashville. In contrast, Conor Sheary was placed on waivers by the Tampa Bay Lightning for contract termination; he managed only five games last season due to injuries and salary cap constraints.