The Ottawa Senators put up a fierce fight against the Toronto Maple Leafs, extending their playoff series to six games, but ultimately fell short. With the conclusion of the season, uncertainty looms over the franchise, particularly regarding star forward Brady Tkachuk's future. Tkachuk has faced rumors suggesting he wishes to leave Ottawa, yet he has publicly dismissed these claims, affirming his commitment to the team and the goal of winning. He expressed a strong belief in the organization's direction and potential for improvement.

Despite the disappointment of being eliminated in the first round, Tkachuk highlighted the Senators' return to the postseason for the first time in eight years as a significant building block for the future. The team is now tasked with enhancing their roster to solidify Tkachuk’s long-term commitment and foster a winning culture in Ottawa.