For the last 20 years (12 with The Hockey News) Dobber has reviewed each team from a fantasy-hockey standpoint and graded them.

The 21^st annual review will appear here on Dobber Hockey throughout the summer. This is not a review of the likely performance on the ice or in the standings, but in the realm of fantasy hockey both for the season ahead as well as the foreseeable future. Offensively, will the team perform? Are there plenty of depth options worthy of owning in keeper leagues? What about over the next two or three years? These questions are what I take into consideration when looking at the depth chart and the player potential on that depth chart.

Enjoy!

Be sure to pick up your copy of the 2023-24 Dobber Hockey Fantasy Guide.

Gone – Alex Debrincat, Cam Talbot, Dylan Gambrell, Nick Holden, Austin Watson, Patrick Brown, Julien Gauthier, Derick Brassard

Incoming – Joonas Korpisalo, Vladimir Tarasenko, Dominik Kubalik, Zack MacEwen

Impact of Changes – At first glance, an instinct reaction to how the Senators' offseason went might result in a negative outlook. However, given how solid this team's core is on both the front and backend, the future is undoubtedly bright in Canada's capital – both fantasy-wise and in the increasingly tough Atlantic Division overall.

Sure, the Sens moved on from star forward and perennial 40-goal threat Alex DeBrincat, but front office savant Pierre Dorion was able to acquire former Columbus Blue Jackets and most-recently L.A. Kings netminder Joonas Korpisalo to solidify the top need for this Ottawa franchise. Korpisalo now has the real shot at being a legit No. 1 starter and fantasy hockey asset anchoring this Sens club, but can they compete in an Atlantic Division that has significantly improved over the past two offseasons?

Will the other major addition of Vlad Tarasenko be able to replicate past seasons of 30-goal, 30-assist potential? The Sens aren't short on positive potential and fantasy hockey value, but they might still be a playoff bubble team with a lot to prove.

Ready for Full Time

When you take a bit of a deeper look at Ottawa's talent pool, there are definitely a few names that should be making some noise at the NHL level sooner than later. However, in terms of pieces making waves on the fantasy hockey landscape this season, the name that seems to continually jump to the top is Egor Sokolov.

Sokolov led the Sens' AHL affiliate in points last season (59 points) and was second in goal scoring with 21 tallies. His ability to also play with edge is intriguing, as the 23-year-old Russian racked up 72 minutes in penalties in 70 games with Belleville.

Considering the elite talent in the Senators' top-six and up-and-coming young guns in the bottom-six, predicting that Sokolov makes any kind of impact at the NHL level this campaign is likely far too bold. But make sure you keep your eyes peeled at his potential should a serious injury or roster hole open up.

Ridly Greig is another prospect to consider. He had a decent NHL run last season with nine points in 20 games, along with 29 points in 39 AHL games. He is known as a pest, and his checking ability should mean that he can play just about anywhere in the Sens’ lineup.

Fantasy Outlook – The Senators have never in their entire franchise history been able to translate the potential of their roster into tangible on-ice success. They have been one of those clubs that has seemingly faded in the face of real opportunity to establish themselves as winners – this season might be different.

That means big things for the top-tier and elite fantasy hockey pieces this team possess, such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Josh Norris, Drake Batherson, Thomas Chabot and even Jake Sanderson and Joonas Korpisalo. A strong start will be critical to this club's overall output, so keep your eyes glued to what Ottawa can do off the top of the upcoming calendar.

Fantasy Grade – A (Last year was A-)