Former Senators Find New Teams and Opportunities in NHL Free Agency

The opening days of NHL free agency have highlighted the extensive roster of players who have passed through the Senators organization. As teams begin to solidify their lineups, a number of former Senators have signed contracts with new or existing clubs, looking to carve out fresh starts this fall.

Max Guenette, after five seasons with the Senators, has found a new home in Boston. His journey began when he was drafted in 2019 as a seventh-round pick, and he has since emerged as a strong performer in the AHL, registering 24 points in 42 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last season. This impressive performance placed him second among Phantoms defensemen, just behind Christian Kyrou, who recently joined the Senators.

Meanwhile, Andreas Englund, who established himself as a reliable NHL defenseman with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2023-24 season, faced challenges in the following year, ultimately being claimed off waivers by Nashville. Now, with a one-year deal in Calgary, he has the chance to regain a regular spot in the NHL. Englund was a second-round pick for the Senators in 2014 and played 33 games with the team over four seasons.

Noah Gregor is also on the move, having signed a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets. After joining the Senators as a free agent in 2024, he was traded at the deadline in the deal that brought Fabian Zetterlund to Ottawa. This latest signing marks his fifth NHL organization since 2024. Last season, Gregor played 37 games with the Florida Panthers, where he made headlines for a shoulder hit that resulted in a concussion for teammate Carter Yakemchuk.

Goaltender Mads Sogaard, who spent seven years in the Senators organization, has signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 25-year-old netminder has played 31 NHL games with Ottawa but spent most of last season in Belleville. With the Senators recently signing Samuel Ersson and Leevi Merilainen, Sogaard’s departure seemed inevitable. The last time the Senators let a 6-foot-7 goaltender go to Tampa, it was Ben Bishop, a move that turned out favorably for the Lightning.

Veteran forward Dylan Gambrell has also found a new opportunity, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Wild. Acquired by the Senators in 2021 for a seventh-round draft pick, Gambrell played over 60 games in Ottawa for two consecutive seasons. However, since leaving the Senators, he has yet to play in the NHL and will be looking to secure a fourth-line role in Minnesota after a solid season in the AHL.

Lastly, Imama has signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers, adding depth to the defending Stanley Cup champions. Imama spent the 2023-24 season primarily in Belleville and only saw limited action with the Senators before moving on to Pittsburgh.

While none of these players may be considered NHL superstars, they all hold a special place in the hearts of Sens Nation, who remember them fondly for donning the centurion crest.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.