The Ottawa Senators' 2025-26 season ended earlier than hoped, but individual performances provided bright spots. Jake Sanderson emerged as a Norris Trophy candidate before a March shoulder injury, Tim Stutzle rounded out his game in his sixth NHL season, and Linus Ullmark delivered a memorable second half.
Grading System
Since January, Postmedia assigned grades to each player after every game. Now, following Ottawa's first-round sweep by the Carolina Hurricanes, final report cards are in for the entire campaign. Players who dressed for 10 or more regular-season games and finished with the organization receive a grade. While playoff games carry extra weight, the Senators only played a week in the postseason, so the 82-game regular season largely determines the marks.
Forwards
Tim Stutzle: A
80 GP, 34 G, 49 A, 83 PTS, +7
Stutzle's game has evolved each season. In his sixth year, he displayed newfound physical confidence, becoming harder to knock off the puck and more willing to battle in the slot for rebounds and one-timers. He excelled in board battles, using his exceptional skating to circle the offensive zone and create space. For the first time in his career, he posted a positive plus-minus, reflecting his improved two-way play. Coach Travis Green trusted him in all situations, as his shorthanded ice time jumped from 2:02 in 2024-25 to 148:41. Though his scoring touch disappeared in the playoffs and frustration affected his offense, Stutzle took another major step forward overall.
Brady Tkachuk: B-
60 GP, 22 G, 37 A, 59 PTS, +4
Tkachuk carried a heavy load this season and occasionally seemed overwhelmed. A thumb injury in the home opener set him back significantly, and even after returning with a wrap, he was not the same player. Leading into the Olympics, his intensity waned, possibly as he conserved energy for the tournament. After achieving a childhood dream at the Olympics, it took weeks to regain his form. However, the final five or six weeks of the regular season featured some of the best hockey of his career, with frequent hits, fights, big goals, and dominant play down low. His supporters note his near point-per-game pace to deflect criticism, but also argue that points aren't everything when assessing his lack of production against Carolina in Round 1. Ultimately, Tkachuk was inconsistent, impactful only in stretches, and ended with a disappointing playoff performance.
