Story Summary
Ottawa finished second in the NHL in offensive zone time percentage (43.4) last season while ranking among the League leaders in high-danger shots and goals, and showing elite straight-line speed from Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson. Key forwards Drake Batherson, Dylan Cozens and Stutzle all ranked near the top among forwards for offensive-zone time last season, and the club’s defence corps posted high marks in the same metric.
Key Facts
- The Senators ranked second in the NHL in offensive zone time percentage, 43.4, in 2025-26; they were seventh in that category in 2024-25 (41.8).
- Drake Batherson ranked in the 98th percentile among forwards in offensive-zone starts percentage (46.0) and finished fifth in the NHL in offensive zone time percentage (48.3; fourth among forwards).
- Dylan Cozens was tied for eighth in offensive zone time percentage (48.0). Tim Stutzle registered 46.5 (95th percentile) in offensive zone time percentage and 48.0 (99th percentile) in offensive-zone starts percentage.
- William Eklund, acquired from the San Jose Sharks in the off-season, ranked in the 93rd percentile among forwards in offensive zone time percentage (45.9) last season and could play on the top line with Stutzle.
- Defencemen Jordan Spence (47.6; tied for third) and Thomas Chabot (47.0; sixth) were both among the top 10 defensemen in offensive zone time percentage; Jake Sanderson measured 44.8 (90th percentile).
- Ottawa ranked second in offensive zone time percentage at even strength (43.0), tied for fourth on the power play (60.6) and third on the penalty kill (29.0).
- On high-danger metrics, Ottawa ranked fifth in the NHL in high-danger shots on goal (715) and high-danger goals (143); they were seventh in mid-range shots on goal (699) and tied for eighth in long-range goals (21).
- Individual high-danger and mid-range leaders included Batherson (tied for fifth in the NHL in high-danger goals, 24), Stutzle (20 high-danger goals) and Cozens (15 mid-range goals, tied for 10th).
- Fabian Zetterlund was tied for third among forwards in long-range goals (four) and ranked in the 95th percentile among forwards in hardest shot (94.30 mph). Shane Pinto posted NHL career highs with 46 points and 23 goals last season and ranked in the 80th percentile or higher across several shot and goal measures.
- Sanderson led all defencemen in max skating speed (24.27 mph) and was fifth in the NHL in that metric; he ranked among the defence leaders in high-danger and long-range shot metrics, while Tyler Kleven recorded the hardest shot attempt in the NHL (103.51 mph).
- Team speed measures placed Ottawa ninth in 20-plus mph speed bursts (1,953) and fifth in 22-plus mph bursts (126). Stutzle finished fifth in the NHL in 20-plus mph bursts (364) and third in 22-plus bursts (46), and has been in the 90th percentile or higher in these skating metrics in each of the past four seasons.
IHM Discussion
These advanced-stat metrics paint a clear picture: Ottawa sustained large shares of offensive possession and converted high-quality chances at a top-tier level last season, while possessing two elite-speed players in Stutzle and Sanderson. Offensive zone time percentage is a blunt measure of territorial control; the Senators’ second-place team mark (43.4) came alongside strong special-teams zone residency, including a 60.6 figure on the power play.
At the player level, Batherson, Cozens and Stutzle are listed among the club’s most dangerous finishing options. Batherson’s placement in the 98th percentile for offensive-zone starts percentage, and his top-five league rank in offensive zone time percentage, show how he was deployed into favourable attacking situations. Cozens and Stutzle produced the sorts of high-danger shot totals and goals that follow sustained zone time, and Sanderson provided production from the back end as well as elite straight-line speed.
Two roster notes stand out. William Eklund, newly acquired from San Jose, ranked highly in offensive-zone time percentage last season and could slot onto a top line with Stutzle. Fabian Zetterlund is flagged as a candidate for an expanded role after finishing near the top among forwards in long-range goals and showing elite hardest-shot numbers for his position.
Why It Matters
Offensive zone time, high-danger finishing and elite speed are complementary traits. A team that consistently begins shifts and spends more time in the attacking zone creates more opportunities to generate the high-danger shots that lead to goals. Ottawa’s combination of team-level zone residency, strong numbers in high-danger shots and goals, and specific players who create or finish those chances gives them tangible avenues to score without needing to alter identity.
Equally, the speed metrics for Stutzle and Sanderson underline a two-way benefit. Stutzle’s repeated presence in the 90th percentile or higher for max speed and speed bursts supports quick transition offence and the ability to break coverage. Sanderson’s elite sprinting from the back end adds a dimension to breakout and offensive support that shows up in his shot-volume metrics.
What Comes Next
This assessment forms part of a 32-team preview of the 2026-27 season. The tracking data figures above provide a statistical frame for how Ottawa’s possession profile, danger-zone finishing and elite skating might influence their game plan and roster usage heading into 2026-27.
Mini Q&A
Where did Ottawa sit in offensive-zone time last season?
They ranked second in the NHL in offensive zone time percentage, 43.4, in 2025-26, after ranking seventh in that category the previous season (41.8).
Which Senators drove those possession numbers?
Drake Batherson, Dylan Cozens and Tim Stutzle all ranked highly in offensive-zone time percentage. Batherson finished fifth in the NHL in that metric (48.3), Cozens was tied for eighth (48.0) and Stutzle registered 46.5.
How did Ottawa perform in high-danger shooting?
Ottawa was fifth in the NHL in high-danger shots on goal (715) and high-danger goals (143). Several forwards, including Batherson, Stutzle and Cozens, were among the League leaders in high-danger shots and goals.
Who provides the team’s top speed?
Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson headlined the club’s pace metrics. Team-wide, Ottawa ranked ninth in 20-plus mph bursts and fifth in 22-plus mph bursts; Stutzle and Sanderson logged some of the highest individual totals in those categories.
Coach Mark Comment
From a coaching perspective, offensive-zone time and consistent high-danger chances give a staff options. If a team can tilt play toward the opponent’s end reliably, it can simplify deployment choices: sustain offensive pressure rather than forcing risky stretch plays. That 60.6 power-play zone time number is especially useful; coaches prize possession on the man advantage because it often limits needless defensive transitions.
Speed is not just flashy; it changes how you defend and attack. Stutzle’s ability to generate 20-plus and 22-plus mph bursts repeatedly forces opponents to respect pace on entries and counters. Sanderson giving that same speed from the back end lets a coach trust more aggressive pinches or support on the rush without sacrificing gap recovery.
IHM Final View
Advanced-stat metrics make it plain that Ottawa enters 2026-27 with measurable strengths: elite offensive-zone residency, top-five rates in high-danger production, and genuine high-end speed from two core players. The additions and internal candidates flagged by these numbers – William Eklund as a potential top-line partner for Stutzle, and Fabian Zetterlund as a candidate for a larger role – are the immediate roster items to watch as the Senators translate these statistical advantages into actual lines and minutes.