For anyone who supports the Ottawa Senators, hearing the word “rebuild” over the last three seasons may have become tiresome by now. Yes, the team has certainly struggled and was the second-worst team during the 2019-20 regular season, but there’s every reason to be positive looking ahead to the 2020-21 NHL campaign and beyond, which could upset those who continue to doubt the potential of this franchise.
2020-21 NHL Betting Predictions
After three straight seasons without reaching the playoffs, clearly, fans in Ottawa are hoping for something much better from the Senators during the 2020-21 NHL season. However, sportsbooks aren’t all that confident of a drastic change in fortunes for the team, given that out of all the 31 franchises competing in the new season, the latest NHL betting odds for the Senators have them priced at 126.00 to win the Stanley Cup.
THIS IS OUR TIME
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) September 29, 2020
YOUR TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING ARE STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!!!!! pic.twitter.com/1trZdj2JPf
Only the Detroit Red Wings at 151.00 have longer odds than the Senators, heading into the 2020-21 season. At the other end of the scale, the outright Stanley Cup betting favourites are Colorado Avalanche at odds of 8.00 to be the top NHL side, while as the recently crowned NHL champions, Tampa Bay Lightning are tipped at 8.50 to repeat their successful 2019-20 campaign.
Senators Can Beat the Odds
Despite the negative outlook predicted by the 2020-21 betting odds, there’s arguably more potential to the Senators than meets the eye. Some sports writers have even suggested that the Ottawa franchise is actually highly underrated. While highlighting the failings of this team over the last three seasons, they have pointed towards the work of general manager Pierre Dorion, who has been gradually building a roster of exceptionally talented prospects.
#NHLAllStar Update: @Senators forward Brady Tkachuk will replace @MapleLeafs forward Auston Matthews on the Atlantic Division roster for the 2020 Honda NHL All-Star Game.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 22, 2020
Despite not playing due to injury, Matthews will attend All-Star weekend in St. Louis. pic.twitter.com/iVcwA5jB2B
Amongst those who have already made a strong impression, there are two players under the age of 25 with potential for greatness with the Senators. Even in the midst of a frustrating 2019-20 season for the team, 21-year-old forward Brady Tkachuk scored 44 points and 21 goals, along with providing 23 assists. Thomas Chabot is also considered a rising NHL star, with the 23-year-old defenceman producing strong numbers, including 39 points and 33 assists.
Ottawa Shines at the 2020 NHL Draft
This was always going to be a huge NHL Draft year for the Ottawa Senators, with three picks in the first round. Making the most of the third overall selection, the Senators landed the top European prospect with German player Tim Stützle, who is already expected to feature prominently during the 2020-21 campaign. The supremely talented 18-year-old can play as a centre or a winger, making him a highly valuable signing.
He's ours. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/A5XoJDQ9tu
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 7, 2020
With the benefit of also having the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, the Senators also picked up another 18-year-old in the shape of Jake Sanderson, the top-rated defenceman in the draft. He will play with North Dakota during the 2020-21 season, alongside Jacob Bernard-Docker and Shane Pinto, two other prominent Senators prospects. From the 28th overall pick of the first round, the Ottawa franchise also landed exciting Canadian winger Ridly Greig.
Positive Outlook
Building a roster capable of challenging for honours clearly takes time, which is why this could be another campaign requiring patience for fans of the Ottawa Senators. Nevertheless, this team is beginning to take shape, packed with talent and great prospects, and with a little bit of luck on their side, could be one of the surprise packages capable of making the 2020-21 NHL playoffs.
