The Ottawa Senators have had quite an offseason. Just when you didn't think it could get any more interesting, the Senators posted a video to Twitter on Monday night mere days before training camp opens.
It was not your typical pump-up, get ready for the season, video.
The Ottawa Senators are proud to share the vision for the future of our team and this organization. We are about to launch an exciting plan to rebuild our team and we are inviting you to be a part of our rise to new heights. #OttawaRising pic.twitter.com/hok2jYCUVi
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) September 11, 2018
It showed Senators owner Eugene Melnyk being "interviewed" by long-time Ottawa defenseman Mark Borowiecki. Melnyk sat with the Ottawa native and discussed how the team is planning to move forward, because as he said, "right now we’re kinda in the dumpster.” Most of the conversation focused on a roster rebuild.
"I think this coming year, 10 out of the 22 players are going to be new, meaning they’re either rookies or played under 10 games last year,” said Melnyk, who has owned the team since 2003. “Then the following year, it’s going to go up to about 15 of the 22, maybe 16. That’s a total turnover, which is exactly what should be in a rebuild.”
MORE: Senators offseason report card
The onus is now on general manager Pierre Dorion to make some moves, as the Senators' farm system may not have enough youngsters ready for the NHL. One player who wasn't mentioned directly and could be moved to acquire young pieces is captain Erik Karlsson.
“It’s gonna be important for the team as a group to make sure that everybody gels together," Melnyk told Borowiecki. "You cry together, you laugh together and you celebrate together. And that’s all part of being a team and not playing as an individual.”
“It’s not about individuals anymore, because you’re not gonna win. One player. Two players, three players in the dressing room are not gonna do it.”
Regardless of how the roster shapes up, Melnyk reiterated that the Senators are staying in Ottawa - and he followed the video up with a statement in Ottawa newspapers.
On the throes of Monday evening's video posted on social media by #Sens, this "Letter to Fans and Supporters from Eugene Melnyk" is visible in local newspapers this morning. @sportingnewsca pic.twitter.com/ilQlH4AEZG
— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) September 11, 2018
Everyone can exhale that the organization is not looking for a new home. But, changes are coming.
What those changes will be is unknown. For the fans - who have obviously had mixed reviews of the content released by their team - they have to wonder what the club will look like when the puck drops in October.