Senators Make Key Roster Decisions

After wrapping up the preseason with a win last night, the Senators have now set their sights on the regular season. Today, they made some big decisions with regards to who is likely to remain with the team for that opening game. Let’s dive into the details on what they decided to do.

READ MORE: Senators Finish Preseason With Win Against the Canadiens

Here is the official message from the Senators:

ROSTER UPDATE: Stephen Halliday has been loaned to the @BellevilleSens. Jan Jenik, Hayden Hodgson, Olle Lycksell, Arthur Kaliyev, Lassi Thomson and Mads Sogaard have been put on waivers for the purpose of a loan to Belleville.
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) October 5, 2025

Lycksell and Kaliyev Waived

There were no big surprises with who was waived, but Lycksell and Kaliyev both had their share of positive moments during the preseason. They both played all six games, with Lycksell scoring two goals and Kaliyev scoring a goal and an assist. Lycksell was also given some time on the penalty kill. The waiver process at this time of year is interesting. So many teams are about to do exactly what the Senators have done, placing several players on waivers with the hope that they are not claimed so they can then join their AHL teams.

The Senators actually put Adam Gaudette on waivers at the end of last year’s preseason, but quickly called him back up. He was then a regular for the Senators, all year long. Unfortunately for the likes of Lycksell, Kaliyev and Jenik, the Senators are deeper up front this season. It would likely take a few injuries for them to earn a chance at the NHL level this season. All they can do now, assuming they clear waivers, is play well enough at the AHL level to earn that first chance to be called up, whenever that may be.

Halliday Sent Down

This was not a big surprise. Halliday is a centre and the Senators have Stützle, Cozens, Pinto, and Eller up the middle. Halliday did have a preseason game-winner, on the power play against the Devils. That was his only point in his five preseason games. This is a massive year for Halliday. He is on the last year of his entry level contract. He needs to be a true difference maker at the AHL level to give himself a chance at earning some NHL games.

Halliday led Belleville in scoring last season, with 51 points in 71 games. Not only do those numbers need to progress, but he’ll need to round out his defensive game as well. The Sens have their share of skill forwards. If Halliday wants to make it, he needs to prove himself as a two-way player. Playing a physical game at 6’4″, 214 lbs will help, too.

Final Thoughts

Here is what is left to be decided. Depending on Drake Batherson’s health, one of the forwards mentioned above might be called up to be the extra forward for opening night. With Sogaard being place on waivers, the goalie position is settled. Merilainen is set to back-up Ullmark. Hopefully his rough preseason is soon an afterthought. On defense, if Tyler Kleven is healthy enough to play on Thursday, then both Donovan Sebrango and Carter Yakemchuk will likely end up in Belleville. Sebrango would have to clear waivers first.