In this fourth installment of a five-part series, we delve into the Senators’ defensive depth, with goaltending to be covered tomorrow. The players are listed starting with the best and working down towards prospects and American Hockey League (AHL) players who could be called up. Not every AHL player will be listed, but those with a legitimate shot at playing even a few games in 2024-25 are included.
Left Defense Depth Chart
Even after moving on from Erik Brannstrom and Jakob Chychrun, the left side of the defense remains stronger than the right. With two high-end top-four defensemen and a third spot open for a younger player, there’s a good balance in the group.
Jake Sanderson
The top defenseman on the Senators is Jake Sanderson. At just 22 years old, Sanderson has already established himself as a top two-way defenseman and earned a $64.4 million contract. His 70 points in 156 career NHL games are quietly impressive, complementing his strong defensive play.
Sanderson has room to grow, with outstanding skating, a keen defensive sense, and the ability to play a physical game. This season could see him emerge as one of the NHL’s top defensemen, potentially breaking into the top 15 or 20.
Thomas Chabot
If Thomas Chabot can stay healthy and have his ice time managed better, he has the potential to return to being a high-end offensive defenseman. Chabot’s offensive game is a highlight, with 30 points in 51 games last season. Staying in the lineup is crucial, as his career-high in games played is only 71, and he hasn’t hit 70 since the 2019-20 season.
Chabot’s defensive game can be problematic, but with a full-time high-quality right-sided partner, his game should be more balanced. With Sanderson emerging as a high-end option, Chabot’s average ice time of nearly 24 minutes per game should decrease.
Tyler Kleven
With Brannstrom and Chychrun gone, Tyler Kleven has the opportunity to secure a full-time NHL job. Drafted in 2020, Kleven has shown he is a physical force. In the NCAA, Kleven was often penalized for big hits, but his penalty minutes dropped dramatically in the AHL. He adds a much-needed physical presence to the lineup.
Kleven has 17 NHL games under his belt and has shown flashes of confidence and puck-handling ability. The third-pair spot on the left side is his to lose.
Jorian Donovan
The Senators’ left-handed defensive depth falls off a bit here. Donovan, who finished the season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) as a Memorial Cup champion, is an impressive prospect. While not likely to get NHL games this season, a strong training camp and start in the AHL could put him in the conversation.
Tomas Hamara
Like Donovan, Tomas Hamara needs a strong start in the AHL to find himself in the NHL lineup. Hamara is a skilled two-way defenseman. His trade request from the Kitchener Rangers to the Brantford Bulldogs did wonders, as he scored 17 points in 26 games.
Donovan Sebrango
Acquired in the Alex DeBrincat trade, Donovan Sebrango had a strong first season with the Senators organization. He played well defensively in the AHL and ECHL and could be a bubble player who earns a call-up if necessary.
Right Defense Depth Chart
The NHL-level talent on the right side isn’t as strong as the left, but the call-up options are arguably better and more NHL-ready.
Artem Zub
Since joining the Senators as a free agent from Russia, Zub has been the best right-handed defenseman in the organization. His strong defensive play makes him an anchor on any pairing. Zub’s game isn’t flashy, but his reliability is his strength.
Nick Jensen
Newly-acquired Nick Jensen brings a much-needed partner for Chabot. Jensen, like Zub, plays a strong defensive game but with more experience. His low penalty minutes and strong defensive play make him a valuable addition.
Jacob Bernard-Docker
Jacob Bernard-Docker had a strong bounce-back season after clearing waivers, playing 72 games with the Senators. While not a top-four defender, he is a fine third-pair option or seventh defenseman. The Senators reportedly tried to trade Bernard-Docker, but there wasn’t much value in return.
Travis Hamonic
Travis Hamonic fell out of favor in the lineup last season. Despite many anticipating a buyout, GM Steve Staios respects the veteran presence Hamonic brings. His play has declined, but he can still be a good role model without significantly impacting the salary cap.
Maxence Guenette
Maxence Guenette has the best chance to push for a roster spot among the right-handed defensemen. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Guenette has shown offensive upside in the AHL and has developed into a reliable defenseman.
Nikolas Matinpalo
The Senators tried another international signing with Nikolas Matinpalo from Finland. He played four NHL games and 67 AHL games, re-signing with the club this offseason. Matinpalo will have a better chance at an NHL spot this season.
Conclusion
The Senators’ defensive depth has improved, but there’s still room for enhancement. The team may consider bringing in veterans on tryouts, such as Kevin Shattenkirk or Justin Schultz, to further solidify their roster.
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