Ottawa's Best Had Big Seasons — Here's How They Graded Out
Ottawa Senators fans watching the 2025-26 season unfold got a front-row seat to some of the most exciting individual performances this franchise has seen in years. From a defenceman quietly entering the Norris Trophy conversation to a goaltender who seemed to find another gear at the midway point, this was a season worth breaking down.
Tim Stutzle: The Complete Package in Year Six
After five seasons of steady development, Tim Stutzle appears to have fully arrived as a two-way force in the NHL. His sixth campaign with the Senators saw him round out his game in ways that go beyond the highlight-reel plays fans have come to expect. Stutzle's evolution into a more complete player — reliable in his own zone while still dangerous with the puck — is exactly the kind of development Ottawa has been banking on as the cornerstone of its rebuild. At 23, he's playing like a player who knows exactly what he is and what this team needs from him.
Jake Sanderson: A Norris Conversation Cut Short
Perhaps the most exciting storyline of Ottawa's season was Jake Sanderson's emergence as one of the NHL's premier defencemen. Through the first half of the year and into the new calendar, Sanderson was quietly — and then not so quietly — inserting himself into the Norris Trophy discussion. His skating, his poise under pressure, and his ability to drive play from the back end had scouts and analysts taking notice league-wide.
Then came the cruel twist: a shoulder injury in March derailed what could have been a historic individual season. Sanderson's absence was felt immediately, both on the ice and in the standings. Still, the damage to his legacy was minimal — if anything, his injury only amplified how much Ottawa's blue line runs through him. When healthy, he's a genuine top-pairing defenceman and a future Norris contender. Senators fans should be excited about what's coming.
Linus Ullmark: A Second Half to Remember
When Linus Ullmark came to Ottawa, there were questions about whether the former Vezina Trophy winner still had the goods. The first half of the season offered mixed signals. Then something clicked.
Ullmark's second half was, by all accounts, one to remember. He gave Ottawa consistent, reliable goaltending when the team needed it most, reminding everyone why he was considered elite not long ago. For a franchise that has cycled through goaltenders in recent years, having Ullmark lock in down the stretch is an encouraging sign heading into the offseason.
What It All Means for Next Season
The Senators didn't make the playoffs in 2025-26, but the individual performances of Stutzle, Sanderson, and Ullmark paint a picture of a team trending in the right direction. The core is young, talented, and hungry. Sanderson's health will be the biggest offseason storyline, but if he returns to full strength, Ottawa has a legitimate top-pairing defenceman who could contend for hardware.
For Sens fans, the report cards are in — and while the team grade might sting, there's a lot of green ink on the individual lines.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
