Senators vs. Leafs: An Offseason Comparison Ahead of 2026-27

The Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs entered the offseason with starkly different narratives. The Senators finished the 2023 season with a commendable 99 points, ranking ninth overall in the NHL and securing their second consecutive playoff appearance. However, their summer took an unexpected turn when captain Brady Tkachuk requested a trade, throwing the team into a state of flux.

In contrast, the Maple Leafs experienced a tumultuous season, plummeting from first to worst in the Atlantic Division with just 78 points. The aftermath saw them win the draft lottery, overhaul their management by replacing their head coach and general manager, and embark on a significant roster reconstruction.

With the summer winding down and most of the heavy lifting likely complete, the pivotal question arises: which team had the more successful offseason, and who is better positioned as they approach the 2026-27 season?

Senators’ Offseason Moves

The Senators’ plans took a sharp turn in early May when Tkachuk made it clear he wanted to play alongside his brother, prompting a trade request that was ultimately granted. In return, Ottawa secured Florida’s ninth and 25th picks in the 2026 draft, a second-round pick in 2027, and a conditional first-rounder in 2029.

General Manager Steve Staios made a swift move, trading the ninth pick to San Jose for forwards William Eklund and prospects Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda. Eklund stands out as a crucial addition, having posted 53 points last season, and brings the potential to fill the offensive void left by Tkachuk. At just 23 years old, he is seen as a player who has yet to reach his full potential.

Additionally, the Senators acquired winger Andre Burakovsky from Chicago for a sixth-round pick in 2027 and goalie Samuel Ersson from Toronto for a fifth-rounder in 2027. Ottawa’s free-agent activity was relatively subdued, focusing mainly on retaining their own. They re-signed Ersson, veteran forwards Claude Giroux and Nick Cousins, defenseman Jordan Spence, and goalie Leevi Merilainen, while also adding depth with several two-way contracts.

Departures and Challenges

The Senators bid farewell to Lars Eller, Nick Jensen, Dennis Gilbert, Lassi Thomson, Arthur Kaliyev, Olle Lycksell, James Reimer, and Mads Sogaard, all of whom entered free agency. This raises the question of whether Eklund and Burakovsky can adequately compensate for the offensive loss of Tkachuk. However, there are intangibles to consider, such as team chemistry, which could suggest that Tkachuk’s departure might not be entirely detrimental.

Maple Leafs’ Overhaul

While the Senators were adjusting to Tkachuk’s exit, the Maple Leafs were undergoing a complete overhaul. The team parted ways with head coach Craig Berube and general manager Brad Treliving, bringing in new general manager John Chayka, who initiated significant changes by hiring Jim Hiller as the new head coach.

Among the key acquisitions, the Leafs traded for defenseman Darren Raddysh from Tampa Bay, signing him to an eight-year extension valued at $8.5 million after he recorded an impressive 22 goals and 70 points last season. They also secured former Senator Nick Paul and RFA defenseman Emil Andrae, along with RFA goalie Sam Ersson from Philadelphia, whose rights were later traded to Ottawa.

Losses and New Faces

The Leafs’ roster adjustments came at a cost, as they said goodbye to goalies Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby, as well as defensemen Brandon Carlo and Simon Benoit, along with forward Nick Robertson. The most intriguing addition, however, came through the draft; after winning the lottery, Toronto selected Gavin McKenna first overall, a player with the potential to be a future superstar.

In free agency, the Leafs made a splash by signing goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year deal after seven seasons with Florida. Despite his past accolades, Bobrovsky’s performance last season raised eyebrows, as he posted a subpar .877 save percentage. Toronto also added Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger, Brandon Duhaime, and Zack MacEwen.

Comparative Verdicts

In evaluating the offseason, it appears Toronto had the edge in terms of impactful moves. The Senators navigated a challenging situation with Tkachuk’s trade, effectively turning part of his return into Eklund, which bolstered their future. Yet, with their backup goaltender situation still a concern, the Senators may be taking a gamble.

Conversely, Toronto aggressively addressed multiple roster needs, making signings that could significantly enhance their competitiveness. While they may have made more substantial improvements this summer, the question remains whether these changes can fully transform the franchise after last season’s struggles.

When looking ahead to the upcoming season, the Senators, with a core featuring Tim Stutzle, Jake Sanderson, Drake Batherson, Shane Pinto, Dylan Cozens, and Thomas Chabot, now bolstered by Eklund, appear better positioned overall. Although the Leafs have made notable moves, they must prove that their new pieces can effectively bridge the gap created by last season’s disappointments.

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