The Ottawa Senators took a good “first step” by reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.
“Now is the real hard part,” said general manager Steve Staios.
Transforming into a true contender is tough — just ask the Toronto Maple Leafs, who beat the Senators in six games in the first round.
On Monday, Staios and coach Travis Green laid out their vision for how they plan to make a deeper run next season.
Continued internal growth, with most of the Senators’ core under age 25, will be critical.
“I think a lot of our players are in that age group where they still have room to grow as players,” said Green.
If the majority of Ottawa’s young players improve, the Senators should be better. But that alone won’t…