Ottawa Senators Summary

The Ottawa Senators have officially hired Maciej Szwoch as their new goalie coach, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the development of their goaltending prospects. Szwoch, who previously worked as a European goaltending consultant for the Detroit Red Wings from 2015 to 2022, will also be involved with drafting and scouting in his newly created role as the coordinator of goaltending and scouting development.

His prior work with Linus Ullmark, especially during a critical period for Ullmark's performance, could bode well for the Senators, who struggled with goaltending last season, finishing with the worst team save percentage in the league.

Meanwhile, veteran forward Claude Giroux is expected to thrive in a reduced role next season, having scored 14 goals and 35 assists last year. Giroux's playmaking ability has been highlighted as a key factor that could support the team's secondary offense effectively.

Additionally, head coach D.J. Smith is aiming to break the 20-year drought of former Senators coaches finding head coaching positions elsewhere in the league. Smith's intentions may reflect a broader trend in coaching continuity within the NHL.

Furthermore, Jake Sanderson has received significant recognition, being listed among The Hockey News' top 100 NHL players for 2026, ranking between 51st and 60th, which signals high expectations for his performance moving forward.

In a related coaching development, Jay McKee, a candidate for the Senators' AHL coaching position, has signed on as the head coach for the New York Islanders' AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Hammers, marking a shift in the coaching landscape that the Senators must navigate as they seek effective leadership for their AHL team.