The Ottawa Senators have made strategic moves in NHL free agency by signing forwards Lars Eller and Nick Cousins to one-year contracts. Eller, a veteran center from Denmark, joins the Senators after a season with the Washington Capitals, where he recorded six goals and nine assists in 63 games. He brings a wealth of experience, having played for five different franchises. Meanwhile, Cousins re-joins the Senators after a solid season, contributing 15 points in 50 games. Previously, he was instrumental in the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup victory.

The Senators also made some decisions on player retention, notably not re-signing goalie Anton Forsberg and defenseman Dennis Gilbert. Forsberg has inked a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings, while the Senators have secured young goalie Leevi Merilainen for the next season to back up Linus Ullmark.