The Ottawa Senators are entering the 2025-26 NHL season with a renewed sense of purpose and heightened expectations. After finally breaking their playoff drought in 2024-25, the organization and its fanbase are eager to see the team take the next step toward becoming a true contender. Making the playoffs was a good first step but the Senators know that forgiveness will give way to expectations. Several factors will determine whether the upcoming season is deemed a success.

One of the primary measures of success will undoubtedly be their performance within the Atlantic Division. A key benchmark will be securing a top-three spot in the Atlantic Division, avoiding the uncertainty of relying on a wild card berth. This signifies consistent excellence throughout the regular season and positions them favorably for a deep playoff run. To achieve this, they'll need to surpass teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers, who have been perennial powerhouses in recent years. With some key players from the Panthers and Maple Leafs potentially heading towards free agency, this could open the door for the Senators to rise in the ranks. However, the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens are also on the rise, making the Atlantic Division a highly competitive battleground.

Beyond simply making the playoffs, a significant measure of success for the Senators will be their performance in the postseason. A reasonable expectation would be reaching the Eastern Conference Final. This demonstrates tangible progress and establishes them as a legitimate threat to win the Stanley Cup. The organization has invested heavily in its core players, and the time is now for them to deliver on their potential. After this, contracts with core players expire and given the sorry state of their prospect pipeline, it could be tough sledding going forward.

Several key players will be instrumental in determining the team's success. Linus Ullmark, acquired to solidify the goaltending position, will need to provide consistent, Vezina-caliber performances. The team's defensive core, led by Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot, will need to be strong at shutting down opposing offenses, especially considering how the team's defense graded out as middle of the pack despite Sanderson and Zub sitting at the top. Offensively, the Senators will rely on Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, and Dylan Cozens to lead the charge. Stutzle, in particular, will need to elevate his game and reach the potential he flashed earlier in his career. Veteran players like Claude Giroux and David Perron will also be expected to contribute both on and off the ice, providing leadership and experience to the younger players.

The performance of the team's special teams will also be a critical factor. The power play showed promise last season, but the penalty kill needs significant improvement. A more effective penalty kill will be crucial in close games and during the playoffs, where special teams often make the difference. The Senators management have stated that they won't be making a play for Florida unrestricted free agent Sam Bennett because it will be too much money and term.

Off the ice, the leadership of President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Steve Staios and Head Coach Travis Green will be crucial. Staios will need to continue to make strategic moves to improve the roster, while Green will need to implement a system that maximizes the team's strengths and addresses its weaknesses. Green was hired last year to change the way this team played. He wanted to change many of the systems and wanted to change how the focus was about more of a focus on team defense.

Ultimately, success for the Ottawa Senators in the 2025-26 season will be defined by a combination of regular-season performance and playoff success. While simply making the playoffs is a step in the right direction, the organization and its fans are hungry for more. Reaching the Eastern Conference Final and establishing themselves as a legitimate contender will be the true measures of success for this talented and ambitious team.