Okay,here’s a breakdown of the data provided in the text,focusing on the Ottawa Senators’ current situation as of this off-season:
1. Team Philosophy & Recent History:
The Senators believe that continuous improvement, any improvement, is key, referencing their progress from last season.
2. Forward Lines (Projected):
Line 1: Tkachuk – Stutzle – Giroux
Line 2: Zetterlund – Cozens – Batherson
Line 3: Greig – Pinto – perron
Line 4: Cousins – Eller – Amadio
Extra: Matinpalo – Yakemchuk (Yakemchuk needs to impress in camp/Belleville to make the team)
Note: Jensen is recovering from hip surgery and unlikely to start the season.
3. Cap Situation:
Total Forward Cap Hit: $51,355,714
Total Defense Cap Hit: $28,675,000
Total Goalie Cap Hit: $9,300,000
Remaining Cap space: $4,294,286
4. Off-Season Priorities:
Priority 1: Acquire an Elite Top-Six Winger: The GM (Staios) recognizes the team needs a high-end scoring winger. Options are limited due to cap space and available assets.
Mason McTavish (Potential Target): A 22-year-old forward from the Ottawa area (Carp) who is a restricted free agent with Anaheim. He had 52 points last season. There are rumblings of unhappiness between McTavish and Anaheim, and Staios has a prior relationship with him (from their time in Hamilton).
Priority 2: Extend Shane Pinto: Pinto has one year left on his contract ($3.75 million) and is a valuable, versatile defensive center who can also score. Staios plans to initiate extension talks.
In essence, the Senators are in a position where they’ve made strides, but need to add a key offensive piece and lock up a valuable existing player to continue their progress.