Overview

• Management kept the core intact, with the most notable additions being defenseman Jordan Spence from the Kings and veteran center Lars Eller.
• Ottawa scored 139 goals at five-on-five last season, the NHL’s second-worst total, highlighting the key performance issue to address.
• General manager Steve Staios stressed development over splash moves, with expectations of another strong year from starting goaltender Linus Ullmark.
• Preseason analysis includes predictions of a top-three Atlantic finish and forecasts of elite breakout seasons for Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson, which remain speculative.
• Brady Tkachuk spoke of a “Stanley Cup mindset” entering camp, with the season opening Oct. 9 on the road against the Tampa Bay Lightning.