Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios took care of some offseason business Tuesday, signing forward Stephen Halliday to a two-year contract extension.
A pending restricted free agent, Halliday performed admirably over 30 games, producing four goals, seven assists for Ottawa starting with his debut November 20 in Anaheim where he registered his first NHL point. A versatile player, Halliday filled a fourth-line role when required at centre and wing, also seeing time on the Senators second power play unit. Halliday performed at a point-per-game pace for Ottawa’s American League affiliate in Belleville, notching two goals and 27 helpers in 29 games.
The 23-year-old’s contract contains an average annual value of $1.075 million. The Senators’ GM is displaying confidence in Halliday as he remains waiver-exempt for the first half of the 2026-27 season.
Staios said in a media release, “Stephen has shown great growth in his game. He is committed to his craft and has a passion for the game. We’re pleased to have him signed and excited about what the future brings.”
In a TSN1200 radio interview, Halliday discussed what he learned from playing NHL games, “You’re just kind of trying to come in and do what you can help, help the team win in whatever way, shape or form. I definitely think a little bit faster, you got to play fast all the time. Nobody’s really too careless with the puck, I think that was another thing, like taking what the game gives you. I kind of learned how that went on. I think it was after that, I think I acclimated that.”
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While Halliday is the first free agent extended by Staios, there are several others seeking contracts.
Senators unrestricted free agents
As for pending UFAs, the Senators GM stated at the team’s end-of-season media availability that he hasn’t discussed contracts with anyone.
“I have not closed the door on anyone and spoke to each one of them. It’s fresh right now, a couple days into the offseason. So we all decided that would take a little bit of time and reflect, including my conversation with ‘G’ (Claude Giroux), noted Staios.
Forwards
Claude Giroux
While some say Giroux may have lost a step, the 38-year-old posted similar numbers as the season prior and continues to be a dominant force in the faceoff dot.
Shuttled between the Senators’ first and third lines, Giroux garnered 14 goals, 35 assists, one point shy of 50 points recorded in 2024-25. His 63.1 per cent on draws was tops on the team, which tied for the NHL lead in faceoff percentage (54.5%) with the New York Rangers. One of the Ottawa resident’s best assets is his health, having missed only game over four seasons with the club, and that was only due to an end-of-season rest.
Giroux himself said he wants to play next season, which will be his 18th campaign with his priority being for the Ottawa Senators.
Nick Cousins
Cousins returned to the Senators this past season on a one-year, $825,000 deal. A pesky left wing, Cousins plays his role to a tee, getting under the skin of the opposition. Able to chip in offensively, nine goals, 14 assists in 81 games. But compiling 92 penalty minutes, the native of Belleville does have a penchant to take the odd bad one.
Lars Eller
Signd to a one-year contract, Eller did exactly what was expected from a consummate pro. A Stanley Cup champion with the Washington Capitals, centred the fourth line and performed penalty kill duty. Turning 37 this week, combined with Tuesday’s signing of Halliday, Eller’s short tenure with Ottawa may have come to an end after 68 games.
Graeme Clarke
Acquired from the Capitals at the trade deadline, the former Ottawa 67’s forward put up solid stats, toiling for the AHL Hershey Bears/Belleville Senators this season. The 25-year-old posted 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in only 15 games for Belleville, while registering another 15 goals, nine assists in 50 outings in Hershey.
Represented by former Senator Randy Robitaille, Clarke will likely be offered a two-way contract to remain with the organization.
Olle Lycksell
It was hoped Lycksell would’ve seen more than seven NHL games this season, but a concussion held him back early, and as the season wore on, it appeared there was no spot for him with the big club. After a decent season for Belleville, 13 goals, 17 assists in 44 games, Lycksell signed a three-year contract starting next season to play for Lugano in the Swiss League.
Garrett Pilon
The Belleville Senators captain completed his third campaign with the team. A solid two-way forward, eight goals, 23 assists, it’s unknown where Pilon will play next.
Defense
Dennis Gilbert
Originally acquired from Buffalo in the Dylan Cozens/Josh Norris swap, Gilbert signed with the Philadephia Flyers as a UFA last July. Staios appreciated his short time in Ottawa and dealt for the left-shot defenseman a second time when sent RFA d-man Maxence Guenette to the Flyers.
Gilbert filled in when needed, not looking out of place, playing eight regular season games and another three in the playoffs. It wouldn’t shock if his services are retained on a two-way deal.
Nick Jensen
Acquired from the Capitals in exchange for Jakob Chychrun on July 1. 2024, Jensen was one of the team’s most consistent defenders in ’24-25. But after undergoing offseason hip surgery, the 35-year-old took a while to return to form. Unfortunately, once he did, the Minnesota resident sustained a lower-body injury which required surgery. If Jensen is to return to play next season, given the Senators’ depth on the blue line, it’s unlikely it’ll be with Ottawa.
Lassi Thomson
The third time playing for the organization was a charm for Thomson. Joining the Senators lineup as an injury replacement on March 23 in New York, Thomson himself sustained a leg injury, causing him to miss a couple of games. Upon returning, the Senators 2019 19th overall Entry Draft selection became a fixture on the back end. Averaging 13:45 time on ice per game over 11 games, Thomson added three assists and was a plus-three.
Thomson is likely seeking a multi-year term, but will be an ideal depth blueliner for any NHL team.
Samuel Bolduc
Acquired from the Los Angeles Kings organization to provide Belleville defense depth due to injuries in Ottawa, Bolduc performed well. The former New York Islander notched six goals, 25 assists over 68 games for the Ontario Reign and the ‘BSens.’
There have been rumblings that Bolduc may head to the KHL next season.
Senators restricted free agents
Forwards
Tyler Boucher
Selected 10th overall in 2021, Boucher’s career has been injury-riddled, playing 125 games for Belleville over three seasons. This being said, the 23-year-old had his best campaign with the organization registering 12 goals and 14 assists in 47 games. However, was this enough to earn the checking winger a new deal?
Xavier Bourgault
In his second season with Belleville, Bourgault more than doubled his previous output (26 points) for his season prior. The 23-year-old finished second on the team in goals (25) and points (57), and appeared in his first two NHL games for Ottawa.
Arthur Kaliyev
Signed to a one-year contract, Kaliyev led the AHL in goals (40), setting a Belleville Senators franchise record. However, despite an impressive minor league season, the Uzbekistan-born American appeared in only two games for Ottawa.
Riley Kidney
Acquired from the Montreal Canadiens organization in exchange for goalie Hunter Shepard, Kidney had been suiting up for the East Coast League Trois Rivieres Lions for the majority this past season. The former Gatineau Olympique and member of the 2022 Canada World Junior squad may receive an AHL deal.
Defense
Jordan Spence
Not enough can said how Spence performed this season, especially when both Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson were out with injuries. A healthy scratch out of training camp after being acquired at the Draft from the Kings, Spence saw his playing time increase as the year went on, finishing on the second d-pair with Chabot.
Setting career highs, seven goals, 24 assists, 31 points, the 25-year-old, who holds arbitration rights, led the Senators with a 60.0 even-strength Corsi rating. Corsi stats are compiled by adding on-ice shot attempts directed by the team versus shot attempts against, whether on goal, blocked or missed.
Represented by former Senators AGM Peter MacTavish, Spence’s next contract will be an interesting one. Will it be a long-term or a short bridge deal?
Djibril Toure
Signed to a contract as an undrafted player after attending Senators 2023 Rookie Camp, Toure is still finding his way in the pro game.At six-foot-seven, 203 pounds, Toure utilizes his size and is not shy to drop his gloves. In 38 games for Belleville, the Montreal area resident was charged with 119 penalty minutes.
Goalies
Leevi Merilainen
After a spectacular few weeks in 2024-25 when Linus Ullmark was out with injury, Merilainen was one of the best netminders in the NHL for a stretch. The youngster posted an 8-3-1 record, 1.99 goals against average, .925 save percentage. Fast forward to this past season, it was hoped the 23-year-old was ready to step in and become Ullmark’s backup, but it didn’t come to fruition for the long haul.
While Merilainen said outwardly he was confident in his abilities, on the ice, the Finn appeared to be out of his element on occasion. His .860 save percentage in 20 games belies this. Merilainen returned to form once back in Belleville, posting a 2.77 GAA, .909 Sv Pct for a non-playoff team. Good news is; Merilainen remains waiver exempt and may awarded another opportunity to show his wares to Senators management.
Mads Sogaard
Unfortunately for Sogaard, his six seasons since being selected by the Senators 37th overall in 2019 have been mired with injuries. The native of Denmark has played only 193 games, 31 at the NHL level. Per Postmedia, it was believed the club offered Sogaard as trade fodder at the deadline. With the addition of prospect Kevin Riedler turning pro after a stint at Penn State University and inking Chicoutimi standout goalie Lucas Beckman to an entry-level contract, it’s likely Sogaard’s sojourn with the Senators is over.
