BTkachuk_OTT

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has projections for relevant players on the Ottawa Senators. Players are listed in order of fantasy rank for this season.

NHL.com fantasy rank: 13

Reason for optimism:Tkachuk had a career high in points (83 in 82 games), goals (35) and shots on goal (347) last season. Tkachuk has a high individual ceiling, as he ranked fourth in the NHL in shots on goal last season and has promise on their top line with Stutzle and newly acquired wing Tarasenko. Tkachuk has been a notable category coverage player as a power forward and leads all forwards in the NHL in hits since he entered the League in 2018-19 (1,237 in 359 games).

NHL.com point projection: 90

Tim Stützle, C/LW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 32

Reason for optimism: Stutzle ranked 19th in the NHL and led the Senators in points last season (90 in 78 games). He had a breakout season in points and reached a career-best in goals (39). Stutzle has high upside on an improved Ottawa team and should be considered a top 25 forward in fantasy drafts, in addition to being prioritized even further in keeper and dynasty leagues.

NHL.com point projection: 88

NHL.com fantasy rank: 74

Reason for optimism:Tarasenko signed with the Senators during the offseason and will benefit from exposure to a young Ottawa core. Tarasenko had 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) in 31 games with the New York Rangers after being acquired from the St. Louis Blues last season at the trade deadline (29 points in 38 games with St. Louis). He has hit the 70-point mark four times in his career and has revitalized potential with a larger role on the Senators this season.

NHL.com point projection: 68

NHL.com fantasy rank: 86

Reason for optimism: Giroux was tied with Tkachuk for the second-most goals on the Senators last season (35 in 82 games) and ranked first on the team in even-strength goals (28). Giroux was nearly a point-per-game player last season (79 points) and has a high ceiling, hitting the 100-point mark back in 2017-18 with the Flyers. He should be considered a fringe top 60 forward in fantasy.

NHL.com point projection: 76

NHL.com fantasy rank: 103

Reason for optimism: Norris was limited to eight games last season due to a shoulder injury and has bounce-back potential this season after having 55 points (35 goals, 20 assists) in 66 games in 2021-22. Norris has high upside in a potent top-six forward group for the Senators and if he remains healthy, has the potential to be a draft steal.

NHL.com point projection: 69


Other OTT players to consider in fantasy: Joonas Korpisalo, G; Jakob Chychrun, D; Thomas Chabot, D; Drake Batherson, RW; Jake Sanderson, D; Shane Pinto, C

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