The Ottawa Senators didn’t have the best season this year. They wrapped up the 2020-21 NHL season with just 51 points and a 23-28-5 record.
It wasn’t the season the Sens wanted. It was a disappointing season that was pretty hard for the entire team to swallow.
However, this team is looking to change for the better and improve in the 2021-22 season.
The Sens’ Connor Brown is one key player who could help his team change next season. Here is a look at how he could potentially make a difference for the Sens.
A Look at Who Connor Brown Is
Brown is just 27 years old and hasn’t been on the Sens’ squad for long. He originally played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015-19, so he has plenty of hockey experience.
However, Brown was traded to the Sens in 2019 thanks to the Leafs’ salary cap issues.
Despite the fact that the Sens were unable to make it to the playoffs, Brown has shown he has some great potential that can definitely help the team next season.
Brown is just what Ottawa is looking for in terms of defense and offense. He contributed with a career high of 21 goals in 56 games and ranked second in points, recording 35 for the season.
With this in mind, the Sens should definitely consider keeping him for a little while longer. He does seem to have some good potential that could help bolster up a struggling team.
In addition, Brown’s performance with Team Canada says a lot. Canada earned a well-deserved 3-2 victory in overtime against Finland in the gold medal game.
Brown made some pretty impressive contributions, including a nice set up to the Sens’ Nick Paul to pick up a game winning goal.
What the Sens Should Be Doing During the Offseason
Based on their results at the conclusion of the 2020-21 NHL season, the Sens already know something must change. This will likely include playing style and a roster change.
In terms of a roster change, there are many options that the team can go on. There are a few more months until the next season officially kicks off, so that gives the Sens ample time to reconstruct their roster.
Guys such as Brown and Brady Tkachuk have done well this season, but we know that it takes more than just one or two guys to make a good or bad season.
The Sens may need to trade some players in the near future or at least add some new guys on the squad who can pump up the offense and defense more. This is a big requirement for a team who has struggled for a couple of years to make it into the playoffs.
Additionally, the Sens may need to look at their goaltending options and see what goalie they can pick up for their team.
Now, Matt Murray is not a bad goalie, but his performance has suffered for a while now. At just 27 years old, Murray has seen better days on the ice. Just four years ago, he was hoisting up a Stanley Cup trophy alongside the rest of his teammates when he played for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Now, things seem to have changed. Why Murray’s goaltending performance is declining is unclear. However, the Ottawa Senators will certainly be looking for ways to improve this season. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Sens pick up a new starting goalie or get rid of Murray.
This offseason will certainly be an interesting one for the Sens. We’ll see what changes they make and see how it helps them next season.
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