Ottawa Senators 2021-22 Predictions, Betting Odds and Season Preview
The Ottawa Senators believe the rebuild is over as they set their sights on their first playoff appearance since 2017.
Looking Back
Ottawa was finally able to break out of the NHL’s basement last season, but still finished eight points back of a playoff spot. The Sens finished second-last in the all-Canadian North Division, much of which could be blamed on their atrocious 9-19 road record. Ottawa did make bettors a lot of money on the spread, however, covering in 35 of 56 games. Last year’s young and hungry Senators team could never be counted out, keeping games closer than most expected.
Ottawa Senators Trades / Acquisitions
There won’t be many new faces in Ottawa to start the season, as GM Pierre Dorion stuck to his guns in the hopes his young roster will take that next step. Forwards Ryan Dzingel, Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov all left the squad via free agency, along with backup goalie Marcus Hogberg. Defenceman Micheal Del Zotto was the only free agent addition. Dorion also got on the phones to deal forward Evgeni Dadonov to Vegas for defenceman Nick Holden. He then swapped wingers with St. Louis, trading Logan Brown for Zach Sanford.
Dorion’s top priority this off-season was to sign 22-year-old winger Brady Tkachuk, but its looking like the Sens will start the season without him. Tkachuk led the team in points, shots and hits last season and really moves the needle for Ottawa. The Senators are notorious for not being able to ink their star players, so it’s safe to say they are sweating a bit here.
Ottawa Senators 2021-22 NHL Odds
The Sens enter the season as heavy underdogs once again, listed at +7500 to win the Atlantic Division on the NHL futures board. They projected to finish last year with an unimpressive 74 points if the season went 82 games. Ottawa will face even stiffer competition this season, with Florida, Tampa Bay and Boston back in their division. The Senators’ over/under on points this year is set at 76.5, with bets on either side almost doubling your money. They have +612 odds of making the playoffs and much longer odds to win a couple playoff rounds.
The NHL props has Tkachuk listed at +6600 to win the Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy. Heading into his fourth NHL season, Tkachuk’s career high in goals was his rookie year when he potted 22. He should be able to improve on that number, if/when he does eventually sign a contract.
Defenceman Thomas Chabot, the only other Sen on our props board, is listed at +4295 to win the Norris Trophy and he could be sleeper pick to take it home. Being on a non playoff team may hurt his stock, but the 24-year-old logs over 26 minutes per game as a potential point-per-game player.
Ottawa Senators 2021-22 Season Prediction
Ottawa will be on the outside of the playoffs looking in again this season, finishing bottom-three in the Atlantic. The Senators’ most important D-man, Chabot, is very good value Norris pick at +4295. The Sens are always a good pick to cover the spread, thanks to their never quit attitude. Expect more of that again this winter.
