Sens Nation - Your Ottawa Senators Podcast

The Senators are off to a 3-1 start, but the injuries are already piling up!Since our last episode, the Sens have picked up wins over Boston and Philadelphia, suffered a rough loss in Detroit, and lost another key player to injury.

William Eklund is now expected to miss significant time with an ankle injury, while Andre Burakovsky is getting closer to his season debut.Steve and Gregg discuss how the Senators can overcome their latest injury troubles, whether help should come from Belleville or outside the organization, and which players need to step up.

Plus, plenty more to get into:

🏒 Carter Yakemchuk's booming shot, power-play role, and early impact.

🏒 Hoyt Stanley makes his NHL debut as Ottawa's defensive depth gets tested.

🏒 Ridly Greig's controversial reverse hit on Alex DeBrincat. Clean hockey play or something the NHL needs to address?

🏒 The Senators honour the late Ray Emery with a special home-opening ceremony.

🏒 Former first-round pick Shane Bowers comes full circle with the Senators organization.

🏒 Mark Stone's Gordie Howe hat trick, and Florida's injury problems.

All that and more on another edition of the Sens Nation Podcast! Join the conversation! Drop your thoughts in the comments.

How concerned are you about Ottawa's mounting injuries, and who should get the next opportunity?

👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! #OttawaSenators #GoSensGo #SensNation #NHL #SensPodcastSubscribe and share the show with another Senators fan, and let us hear your comments below.🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sensnation🎙️ LET'S HEAR YOUR TAKE!Use any device to leave us a voicemail with your Senators take or question. We'll play it back on the show and discuss it. https://www.speakpipe.com/sensnationTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS🚗 Jim Keay FordOur favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort CentreHeating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa. https://teamhardingcomfort.com

The Senators had to wait longer than everyone else to start their season, but it was worth the wait.The Sens went into Toronto and came away with a 3-2 win over the Maple Leafs, backed by a strong performance from Linus Ullmark and an impressive third period. We break down what we liked from the opener, including Thomas Chabot’s first game as captain, Claude Giroux’s impact and Ullmark getting a little help from SIX posts.

But the biggest concern coming out of the win is Jake Sanderson. He left the game early after feeling an injury coming on, and Travis Green says the Senators should know more in the next few days. What does Sanderson’s status mean for an Ottawa blue line that could suddenly look very different?

Plus, we check in on some former Senators, including Leevi Meriläinen’s terrific start in Vancouver and Lars Eller getting an opportunity alongside Brady Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart in Florida.Around the NHL, we remember longtime NHL defenceman Lyle Odelein, who passed away on the weekend, Mario Lemieux returns to Pittsburgh as the Penguins celebrate their 60th season, and Canada is left without representation on the IIHF Council for the first time in nearly three decades.Steve and Gregg break it all down on a new episode of Sens Nation.

Subscribe and share the show with another Senators fan, and let us hear your comments below.

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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

🚗 Jim Keay FordOur favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com

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🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort CentreHeating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa. https://teamhardingcomfort.com

The NHL season is underway, and the Ottawa Senators are finally ready to join the party.

On this episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast, Steve and Gregg get you set for Saturday’s season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs and discuss the biggest story of the week: Thomas Chabot being named the 11th captain in Senators history, with Claude Giroux, Jake Sanderson and Tim Stützle serving as alternates.

We also dig into Ottawa’s growing injury concerns, with Artem Zub and Andre Burakovsky ruled out and questions still surrounding Sanderson and Warren Foegele. What could the Sens’ defence look like on opening night, and where does Carter Yakemchuk fit?

Plus, Travis Green pushes back against criticism of the way he handles injury updates, the Sens introduce their new emergency backup goalie, and we look at how William Eklund fits into Ottawa’s revamped forward group as the post-Brady Tkachuk era officially begins.

The wait is over. New season. New captain. Let’s go.

Subscribe and share the show with another Senators fan, and let us hear your comments below.

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Support the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/sensnation

🎙️ LET'S HEAR YOUR TAKE!

Use any device to leave us a voicemail with your Senators take or question. We'll play it back on the show and discuss it. https://www.speakpipe.com/sensnation

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

🚗 Jim Keay Ford

Our favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com

🔧 Midas Ottawa

For tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com

🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort Centre

Heating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa. https://teamhardingcomfort.com

In this episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast, we discuss the big wave of cuts the Senators made Sunday, and why the Sens appear to be keeping some extra bodies around because of injury concerns, particularly the ones involving Artem Zub, Jake Sanderson and Andre Burakovsky.

We also get into the loss of goaltender Leevi Meriläinen, who was claimed off waivers by the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, and the Sens' decision to acquire Jonas Johansson from the Tampa Bay Lightning to fill the vacancy.

That leaves the Senators with an interesting possibility in goal: could all four of the Sens' goaltenders on the Ottawa/Belleville depth chart this season be Swedish?

We also review the Senators' preseason, discuss the NHL's sudden enforcement of the jersey-tucking rule, and look at the San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins naming new captains.

And with opening night just days away, the big question is: How long until the Senators name their captain?

Subscribe and share the show with another Senators fan, and let us hear your comments below.

🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATION

Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sensnation

🎙️ LET'S HEAR YOUR TAKE!Use any device to leave us a voicemail with your Senators take or question. We'll play it back on the show and discuss it.

https://www.speakpipe.com/sensnation

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

🚗 Jim Keay Ford

Our favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com

🔧 Midas Ottawa

For tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com

🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort Centre

Heating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa. https://teamhardingcomfort.com

The Sens are off to a slow start in preseason. More importantly, they have injuries to worry about, including Artem Zub, who won't be ready to start the season. At least. Who takes his place?

Is Yakemchuk ready? The Sens don't have much choice but to turn to him.

Leevi Merilainen was lost on waivers on Friday, which happened after our recording. The Canucks put in a claim for him. We look back on what he meant to the Sens two seasons ago.

Owner Michael Andlauer speaks on Tkachuk and says his family got in his kitchen. And Ron MacLean does an unusual interview with Sens GM Steve Staios to start the season.Subscribe and share the show with another Senators fan, and let us know your preferred line combinations for opening night.🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/sensnation🎙️ LET'S HEAR YOUR TAKE!Use any device to leave us a voicemail with your Senators take or question. We'll play it back on the show and discuss it. https://www.speakpipe.com/sensnationTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS🚗 Jim Keay FordOur favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort CentreHeating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa.https://teamhardingcomfort.com

Drake Batherson joins us for a wide-ranging conversation just days after signing his new eight-year contract extension with the Senators.

Batherson explains why he never seriously doubted a deal would get done, how much it means to know he can focus entirely on hockey, and what it was like to receive roughly 250 congratulatory texts after the news became official. He also talks about calling his parents, celebrating with his teammates, and temporarily moving in with Jake Sanderson and Stephen Halliday while waiting to get the keys to his new home.

We also ask Batherson about two major departures from Ottawa. He shares his reaction to Brady Tkachuk’s trade, explains why he understands his longtime teammate’s decision and reflects on their friendship. Batherson also discusses Daniel Alfredsson’s move to Toronto and offers some fascinating insight into what made Alfie such an effective teacher, communicator and mentor.

Other topics include Batherson’s early chemistry with Tim Stützle and Andre Burakovsky, his first impressions of Jaxon Cover, the arrival of Ben Hutton on a professional tryout and whether Stützle or Sanderson is the fastest Senator.

After the interview, we break down the biggest stories from the opening days of training camp. Can Batherson reach 40 goals? Will William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund’s friendship translate into on-ice chemistry? Is Ottawa’s projected top six strong enough to replace the offence lost in the Tkachuk trade?

We also discuss Carter Yakemchuk’s costly scrimmage turnover, the injury concerns surrounding Artem Zub and Warren Foegele, and whether Hutton can earn a contract as a veteran insurance option on defence.

Plus, Steve learns that he may be too bald to break down hockey plays on social media.

Subscribe and share the show with another Senators fan, and let us know your preferred line combinations for opening night.🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/sensnation

🎙️ LET'S HEAR YOUR TAKE!

Use any device to leave us a voicemail with your Senators take or question. We'll play it back on the show and discuss it. https://www.speakpipe.com/sensnation

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!🚗 Jim Keay FordOur favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort CentreHeating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa.https://teamhardingcomfort.com

Drake Batherson is staying in Ottawa for the long haul. Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy break down Batherson’s eight-year, $82-million contract extension, including the timing, trade protection and why his commitment matters after a turbulent summer for the Senators.

Also discussed: Batherson’s new deal: Is $10.25 million per season a fair price, and could the contract eventually become a bargain?

The NHL’s salary explosion: How offer sheets, a rising cap and massive young-player contracts could affect Thomas Chabot, Artem Zub and other Senators.

An unusually short training camp: With few roster openings and limited preseason action, do Ottawa’s bubble players have any real opportunity?

The end of fitness testing: Why the NHL’s new training-camp rules have left some coaches concerned.

Ottawa’s prospects shine: Jaxon Cover’s seven-point weekend headlines an impressive showing that also included Kasper Halttunen, Christian Kyrou and others.

Goaltending questions: Cam Talbot lands in Columbus, while Ottawa must decide whether to begin the season with Linus Ullmark, Samuel Ersson and Leevi Meriläinen.The Sens Nation Podcast is presented by Jim Keay Ford, with support from Midas Ottawa and Harding Home Comfort.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/sensnationVisit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the show: https://sensnationhockey.com🎙️ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS🚗 Jim Keay FordOur favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort CentreHeating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa.https://teamhardingcomfort.comDon't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/sensnationVisit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the next show:https://sensnationhockey.com

Brady Tkachuk responds to criticisms he's heard that he checked out during his last season and a half in Ottawa. Steve and Gregg also discuss Tim Stützle’s response to Brad Marchand, Thomas Chabot’s captaincy chances and how Chris Kreider could have nicely filled Ottawa’s need for another top-six winger (he signed with MTL after recording time).Plus, an update on Jonas Lagerberg Hoen’s injury, the most intriguing names at Senators rookie camp, Carter Yakemchuk’s absence and why Gavin McKenna won’t face Ottawa at the Prospect Challenge in Gatineau.The Sens Nation Podcast is presented by Jim Keay Ford, with support from Midas Ottawa and Harding Home Comfort.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:  / sensnation  Visit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the show: https://sensnationhockey.com🎙️ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS🚗 Jim Keay FordOur favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort CentreHeating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa.https://teamhardingcomfort.comDon't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:  / sensnation  Visit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the next show:https://sensnationhockey.com

Travis Green believes his club has “more than enough team toughness,” but Steve and Gregg debate whether that's true and whether they need a legitimate heavyweight in the everyday lineup.Also on the show: Brad Marchand mocks Tim Stützle’s captaincy credentials; the Senators plan a tribute video for Brady Tkachuk’s return; They're not huge fans of the Sens' new “The Hill We Choose” slogan; Jaxon Cover gets an intriguing audition at centre; expectations for Gavin McKenna’s rookie season in Toronto; what Zeev Buium’s massive extension could mean for future contracts involving Artem Zub and Thomas Chabot; and potential changes to Sportsnet’s hockey panel.The Sens Nation Podcast is presented by Jim Keay Ford, with support from Midas Ottawa and Harding Home Comfort.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:  / sensnation  Visit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the show: https://sensnationhockey.com🎙️ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS🚗 Jim Keay FordOur favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort CentreHeating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa.https://teamhardingcomfort.comDon't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:  / sensnation  Visit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the show:https://sensnationhockey.com

September is here, and that means the return of Sens hockey. Will Drake Batherson get an eight-year extension before the September 15 deadline?

Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss whether letting the deadline pass would really be cause for concern. Should the Sens lock him up now or later? Or is there a chance that one side is thinking about other possibilities?

With training camp approaching, we also discuss:

• Is the Senators’ opening-night roster already set, with players mostly competing for roles?

• Why Jake Sanderson makes sense as Ottawa’s next captain, and what should matter when choosing a leader.

• NHL player power: for star players, has a no-movement clause basically become an out clause?

• Could Tyler Kleven eventually challenge for a spot in the top four?

• Ottawa’s September calendar, the prospects challenge in Gatineau, and physical defenceman Gabriel Eliasson.

What do you think will happen with Batherson, and does it line up with what you want to happen? Let us know in the comments.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!

🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATION

Support the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/sensnation

Visit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the show:https://sensnationhockey.com

🎙️ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

🚗 Jim Keay Ford

Our favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com

🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com

🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort Centre

Heating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa.https://teamhardingcomfort.com