The 2019-20 Ottawa Senators performed about as well as expectations, which is to say that their finish near the bottom of the standings wasn't a shock to anyone. But as we look ahead to 2020-21, there are a handful of captivating young players on the roster -- along with a complementary veteran presence -- which will make them a tough out for their North Division foes. And there are brighter days ahead, with one of the best prospect pipelines in the NHL.
Here's everything you need to know before opening night:
Big question: Is Matt Murray a franchise goalie?
The biggest change for the Senators is in goal. Craig Anderson's decade-long run in Ottawa has ended with the arrival of Matt Murray via a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Four years ago, Murray won his second Stanley Cup and then took the crease from Marc-Andre Fleury. But he was never able to deliver on that promise, going 20-11-5 with an .899 save percentage last season. Pittsburgh moved on and Ottawa moved in, signing him to a four-year, $25 million extension. He'll get a fresh start with respected goalie coach Pierre Groulx; and at 26 years old, he could be the netminder if and when Ottawa rounds the corner to contention. Or, if his downward trajectory continues, he could be Seattle expansion draft bait.
