Sens GM Steve Staios is analyzing the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, who have both reached the Stanley Cup Final for consecutive years, to inform his decisions on how to utilize the Senators’ projected $16.6 million in cap space. The Oilers boast top-end talent and grit, while the Panthers focus on defensive depth and scoring-by-committee. Staios appears to favor the Panthers’ model of building a tougher, more defensively minded team, as he considers the future of expiring contracts and the potential for player trades to enhance the Senators’ competitiveness.
