Ottawa’s young core tested: Senators 2025–26 schedule outlook
originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Ottawa Senators will begin their 2025–26 campaign on the road, opening Oct. 9 at Tampa Bay before heading to Florida two nights later. Fans won’t have to wait long for the Canadian Tire Centre to light up: the home opener is set for Oct. 13 vs. Nashville, a Thanksgiving matinee that should provide an electric holiday atmosphere.

Marquee matchups on the slate

• Stanley Cup Champions in Ottawa: The Florida Panthers visit Jan. 10 and again Apr. 9, offering fans two chances to measure the Senators against the NHL’s best.

• Rivalry Nights: December brings a showdown with the Maple Leafs on Dec. 27, followed by another Battle of Ontario at home on Mar. 21.

The Olympic pause

For the first time since 2014, NHL players will participate in the Winter Olympics. The league will shut down from Feb. 5–25, giving Ottawa a rare midseason breather. How the team handles the post-Olympic stretch could be pivotal, with March and April packed full of Eastern Conference battles that will shape the playoff race.

MORE: Kaprizov’s charge: Wild face early gauntlet and March push

Heavy lifts on the road

Ottawa faces some grueling travel in late November, with a West Coast swing that includes Anaheim, San Jose, Los Angeles, Vegas, St. Louis, and Dallas in a span of 11 days. Surviving that stretch will be critical to keeping pace in the Eastern Conference.

The Senators also get another lengthy road trip in early March through Edmonton, Calgary, Seattle, and Vancouver, a test of stamina just as the playoff push begins.

Home ice opportunities

While the Sens start away from home, their schedule gives them plenty of chances to capitalize at Canadian Tire Centre:

• Four straight home games in mid-October after the opener.

• A strong December slate featuring the Rangers, Devils, Penguins, Blackhawks, and Sabres all coming through Ottawa.

• The final homestand in April features four of the last six games at home, including potential playoff-shaping matchups against Florida (Apr. 9) and Toronto (Apr. 15).

Strong mix

With captain Brady Tkachuk, defense anchor Thomas Chabot, and a young core led by Tim Stützle, the Senators are looking to take another step forward this season. The schedule provides both opportunity and challenge:

• Early home-heavy stretches that could build momentum.

• Grueling road trips that will test depth and conditioning.

• High-profile home games that will draw attention league-wide.

The 2025–26 season is more than just 82 games, it’s a test on whether this Senators roster is ready to move from potential to playoff reality.

MORE NHL News:

• Kaprizov’s charge: Wild face early gauntlet and March push
• Connor McDavid’s revenge tour: Edmonton Oilers’ 2025-26 gauntlet and key dates
• MacKinnon, Makar and the Avs’ 2025-26 road map starts in LA
• Matthew Tkachuk and Panthers chase three-peat with Winter Classic spotlight in 2025-26
• Sebastian Aho leads Hurricanes into grueling 2025-26 schedule packed with road tests
• Dallas Stars’ 2025-26 schedule: Benn, Oettinger and Rantanen brace for early grind, late push

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