The Ottawa Senators finally returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, marking a significant milestone in their rebuilding effort. Despite a valiant playoff run that ended in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Final, the Senators showcased their promising young core led by captain Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Thomas Chabot, and Jake Sanderson. General Manager Steve Staios made impactful offseason moves, bringing in veterans like Linus Ullmark and David Perron, along with Ottawa native Claude Giroux, who faces uncertainty as he enters free agency.

With the Senators holding $18.6 million in cap space, Giroux's future is a pressing concern. The team aims to strike a balance between veteran presence and youthful talent moving forward. Additionally, Adam Gaudette's successful season may have earned him a more lucrative contract elsewhere, potentially pricing him out of Ottawa. Drake Batherson's absence from media during the break-up day raises questions about his status with the team, especially after a solid 68-point season. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Fabian Zetterlund adds depth, but further negotiations loom as the Senators plan to solidify their roster for the upcoming season.