Second-year GM Pierre Dorion does not have #1 center, but has a club with scoring balance, a solid defense corps led by Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson and a club that bought into the defensive approach of head coach Guy Boucher.
The offseason will present a number of challenges for Dorion, who will have to strike a deal to prevent the Golden Knights from taking a player who is an integral to their postseason success.
Forward Decisions
Ottawa, like most clubs, will opt to protect younger players who might be more enticing to an expansion team and expose veterans with sizable cap hits and significant term.