Ottawa Senators Training Camp Highlights
During the initial practice session of the Ottawa Senators’ training camp, Swedish winger Fabian Zetterlund stood out as a player with significant expectations to meet. Acquired during the 2025 NHL trade deadline in exchange for Zack Ostapchuk and a second-round pick in the 2025 draft, Zetterlund is anticipated to bolster a team that struggled offensively during five-on-five play.
Performance and Expectations
However, his impact since joining the team was less than stellar; the 26-year-old notched only two goals and a total of five points across 20 games, which has been a topic of debate among fans and commentators alike throughout the offseason. Despite these challenges, general manager Steve Staios and the rest of the organization seem undeterred by Zetterlund’s modest statistics, even going so far as to sign him to a three-year deal worth an average of $4.25 million annually.
Confidence and Preparation
When Zetterlund appeared for an interview after a rigorous practice on the second day of camp, he exuded confidence and positivity, a marked improvement in demeanor since his arrival in March.
“I feel fresh and ready to go; that’s been my focus all summer,”
Zetterlund shared enthusiastically. Following discussions with the coaching staff during exit interviews, he acknowledged their insights echoed his own self-assessment regarding areas for improvement.
“I know what I need to work on, which they identified, too. I want to be difficult to play against and more effective with my shot,”
he elaborated, highlighting that he needs to be tougher on the puck and more present in scoring opportunities.
Zetterlund dedicated time in Sweden this summer to training and reconnecting with family and friends, before rejoining the Senators for organized workouts led by team captain Brady Tkachuk. This extra skating time was intended to strengthen team chemistry ahead of camp.
“I am familiar with the system now, and I just need to apply myself on the ice,”
he noted, expressing readiness to embrace the upcoming season.
Past Experiences and Future Outlook
Reflecting on his past, Zetterlund experienced a similar dip in performance when he shifted from New Jersey to San Jose at the trade deadline in 2023, where he went 22 games without a goal. However, he bounced back the following season, contributing his best performance in the NHL by playing all 82 games for the Sharks, leading the team with 24 goals and 44 points. When asked if he sees parallels between his previous experiences and the challenges he faces now, Zetterlund chose to focus on the future instead.
“I’m excited to start fresh with the Senators; that’s all behind me now,”
he emphasized.
Upon joining Ottawa last season, Zetterlund faced a strong roster of forwards that limited his role mostly to the fourth line, but he did earn some power-play time. Despite not scoring, his underlying metrics were impressive, as his rates of shot generation were among the highest on the team when adjusted for minutes played. However, Zetterlund’s struggles in converting chances were evident, as his shooting percentage was notably low.
Addressing the concerns about his production, Zetterlund said,
“I just aim to contribute positively to the team’s success, regardless if I’m scoring. Winning is what matters most to me. While I want to score, if I can’t, I will focus on helping the team in other ways.”
With a career shooting percentage of 9.6%, there’s optimism that his luck will change, potentially helping the Senators become more competitive in their division this season.
