Ottawa Senators Pin Hopes on Korpisalo – After a disappointing 2022-23 NHL season that saw the Ottawa Senators miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 39-35-8 record, the team is gearing up for a fresh start with key arrivals and departures shaping their roster for the upcoming campaign. The Senators are counting on Joonas Korpisalo to provide the much-needed stability between the pipes. At the same time, the addition of Dominik Kubalik aims to bolster their scoring efforts and end their playoff drought.
Ottawa Senators Pin Hopes on Korpisalo: Key Arrivals – Korpisalo and Kubalik Step into the Spotlight
Joonas Korpisalo, the 29-year-old goaltender, has inked a significant five-year contract with the Senators. After being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets by the Los Angeles Kings last season, Korpisalo showcased his skills, going 18-14-4 with a 2.87 goals-against average (GAA) and .915 save percentage in 39 games. His impressive performance continued with the Senators, recording a 7-3-1 record, a 2.13 GAA, and a .921 save percentage in 11 regular-season games. Ottawa hopes Korpisalo can translate his success into a strong season as the team’s top goaltender.
On the offensive end, the Senators acquired Dominik Kubalik from the Detroit Red Wings. The 27-year-old forward contributed significantly to the Red Wings, tallying 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 81 games last season. Kubalik’s scoring prowess is expected to complement the team’s existing offensive talent and provide the Senators with a much-needed boost in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
Key Departures – DeBrincat and Talbot Leave a Void
Alex DeBrincat, the standout forward, bid farewell to the Senators after informing the team of his decision not to sign another contract. DeBrincat’s departure leaves a scoring void, as he recorded an impressive 66 points (27 goals, 39 assists) in 82 games during his single season with Ottawa.
In the goaltending department, Cam Talbot, who tended the net for the Senators last season, departed to join the Los Angeles Kings. While Talbot’s performance was solid, Ottawa’s management believes that Korpisalo has the potential to elevate the team’s goaltending to new heights.
What They Still Need – Relying on Korpisalo for Goaltending Stability
The Senators’ success in the upcoming season heavily depends on Joonas Korpisalo’s ability to provide consistent and reliable goaltending. The team has struggled in this area recently, and Korpisalo’s arrival brings hope for a turnaround. If Ottawa wishes to clinch a playoff spot, they must reduce the number of goals against, as they ranked 20th in the league in this category (271) during the last campaign.
The return of defenseman Jakob Chychrun, acquired in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes last season, will undoubtedly fortify the team’s defense. However, the Senators’ postseason ambitions hinge on Korpisalo’s performance. The team must also watch Anton Forsberg’s health, as injuries limited him to just 28 games last season.
They Said It – Building a Strong Goaltending Tandem
The General Manager of the Senators expressed confidence in their new goaltending duo, stating that Korpisalo and Forsberg have the potential to form one of the league’s stronger tandems. Acknowledging that there are only a few elite goaltenders like Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Senators’ management believes that Korpisalo and Forsberg can push each other and drive the team’s success.
Fantasy Focus – Korpisalo’s Fantasy Value on the Rise
Fantasy hockey enthusiasts can expect a fruitful season from Joonas Korpisalo as he takes on the Senators’ undisputed starting goaltender role. With an impressive save percentage (.913 in 28 games) last season despite facing numerous shots on goal, Korpisalo’s fantasy value is projected to soar as he spearheads Ottawa’s netminding.
On the Cusp – Young Prospects Eyeing Key Roles
Two promising prospects, Ridly Greig and Egor Sokolov, are knocking on the door to earn significant roles with the Senators. Greig selected 28th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, displayed glimpses of offensive brilliance during his 20-game stint with the team last season. Meanwhile, Sokolov, who dominated in the AHL with 59 points (21 goals, 38 assists) for Belleville, will compete for a spot in Ottawa’s bottom-six forward group.
Projected Lineup – A Balanced Mix of Youth and Experience
With the addition of key players and the development of young talents, the Senators’ projected lineup features a blend of youth and experience to mount a serious playoff challenge in the upcoming season:
Brady Tkachuk -Tim Stutzle – Claude Giroux
Dominik Kubalik – Josh Norris – Drake Batherson
Ridly Greig – Shane Pinto – Mathieu Joseph
Parker Kelly – Mark Kastelic – Zack MacEwen
Thomas Chabot – Jakob Chychrun
Jake Sanderson – Artem Zub
Erik Brannstrom – Travis Hamonic
Joonas Korpisalo
Anton Forsberg
In the realm of NHL updates for Canadian fans, the Senators’ prospects for the 2023-24 season appear promising. Joonas Korpisalo’s dependable goaltending and Dominik Kubalik’s scoring prowess add to the team’s optimism. Bolstered by talented young prospects and seasoned players, Ottawa stands ready to contend for a long-awaited playoff berth, potentially breaking their playoff drought. Excitement runs high among fans and fantasy hockey enthusiasts, eagerly anticipating a thrilling and hopeful season for the Senators.
