The Ottawa Senators' 2026 NHL Draft class feels less like a collection of prospects and more like a bold statement. For years, the organization has been criticized for favoring physicality over skill, drafting players who could plug gaps but rarely lit up the ice. But this year? There’s a palpable shift. Steve Staios and his team are chasing upside, not just filling rosters. And honestly, it’s long overdue.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it echoes the Senators’ legendary 1990s era under Marshall Johnston. Back then, they scoured overlooked markets—Sweden, Czechia, Slovakia—to find hidden gems like Marian Hossa. Today, the same philosophy is back, but with a modern twist. Instead of relying on late-blooming physicality, they’re betting on players with elite skill sets, even if that means taking risks. Take Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, for instance. The Swedish winger missed the 2025 draft by a month due to injury, but his 27-goal season in the J20 Nationell was jaw-dropping. If he’d stayed healthy, he’d have been a first-rounder. Now, after a knee injury that derailed his 2025-26 campaign, the Senators grabbed him at 25th overall. Personally, I think this is a masterstroke. Lagerberg Hoen’s shot is a thing of beauty—snipes from distance, deflections off his stick, toe drags through defenders. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a playmaker who creates his own space. But here’s the catch: his rehab process will be critical. If he can recover fully, he might be a top-six winger in three years. If not? Well, the Senators’ medical staff better be on their A-game.
Then there’s Jaxon Cover, the Cayman Islands native who played roller hockey before switching to ice hockey at 15. His story is almost too good to be true. A five-year ice hockey career, a move to Canada, and now a first-round pick? It’s like a Hollywood script. But what really stands out is his adaptability. Roller hockey taught him to handle the puck in tight spaces, and now he’s translating that into explosive plays in the OHL. Scouts are raving about his ‘knack for making big plays when you least expect it.’ I mean, how many 18-year-olds can say that? Cover’s hands are elite, his vision is sharp, and his skating? Let’s just say he’s not afraid to beat someone one-on-one. But there’s a risk here. His production stats don’t scream first-round talent, and his off-puck play needs refinement. Still, I’m bullish on him. If he can refine his defensive positioning, he could be a game-changer. Imagine him on a power play—his creativity would be lethal.
Adam Nemec, the Slovak forward, is another intriguing piece. He’s the type of player who thrives in smaller spaces, using his hockey IQ to create chances. His 1.13 points-per-game rate in the OHL is impressive, but the bigger question is whether his skills translate to the NHL. He’s not a dynamic scorer, but his intelligence and work rate make him a reliable complement. The challenge? Physicality. At 6-foot-1, he’s not a bruiser, and his hands aren’t elite. But here’s the thing: the NHL is evolving. Teams are prioritizing speed and smarts over brute strength. If Nemec can adapt, he could be a fourth-line energy player who outworks opponents. The Senators might be banking on that.
Oscar Holmertz, the Swedish center, is a classic example of the ‘well-rounded’ player. He’s not a generational talent, but he’s a safe bet. His ability to find soft ice and sneak into backdoor lanes is a rare skill. Scouts compare him to David Kampf, which is high praise. But again, the question is consistency. Will he bring the same physicality to the AHL that he did in the SHL? If he can, he’ll be a versatile two-way center. If not, he’ll be a role player. Either way, the Senators are getting a player who can fill multiple roles.
Louis-Felix Bourque, the QMJHL forward, is the prototypical power forward. He’s physical, fast, and has a cannon for a wrist shot. But his development hinges on improving his vision and decision-making. Right now, he’s more of a playmaker in transition than a playmaker in the offensive zone. If he can refine that, he could be a top-six winger. If not, he’ll be a bottom-six enforcer. The Senators are taking a calculated risk here, but given their recent draft history, it’s a necessary gamble.
And then there’s Elliot Lennon, the 6-foot-6 goaltender. He’s got the size of a modern-day netminder, but his technique needs work. EliteProspects called him ‘flexible’ but ‘prone to getting walked.’ That’s a problem. Goalies need to be agile and precise, not just big. But if Lennon can improve his tracking and rebound control, he could be a solid backup. The Senators are clearly building a pipeline for goalies, and Lennon might be the next in line after Joey Daccord.
This draft class feels like a turning point. The Senators are no longer just trying to survive; they’re trying to thrive. They’re investing in players who can change the game, not just fill seats. And while there are risks, the upside is undeniable. If these players develop as expected, the Senators could be looking at a new dynasty in the 2030s. The only question is whether they’ll have the patience to wait for it.
