"I can give them better depth": Nick Cousins reveals one key area he can help the Senators the most in 2024

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Sep 01, 2024 18:10 GMT

Nick Cousins, the new Ottawa Senators forward, believes his experience will be valuable this season. Cousins agreed to a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Senators two days ago.

Nick Cousins felt it was important to join a team where he could make a difference. His Stanley Cup experience with the Florida Panthers last season will help the young Senators.

“It’s a great young team ... All their young guys are a year older and with Travis Green coming in, and I got a chance to talk to him before I signed, this group is super-hungry and is excited for the season to get going," Cousins told Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.

"It was important for me to find the right fit and to come to a team where I know I can help out and have a role. With the two Cup runs I've been on in the last two years and playing in the final, I think I can help this young group of guys."

Cousins has played in high-pressure games and thinks this experience will benefit the young Senators team.

"I’ve been in some high pressure situations and high pressure games. That’s what we’re going to go through ... into March and April when we’re playing in playoff-game like atmospheres ... I really think I can help out in that area, plus with my play I can give them better depth. I can just try to help out wherever they need me.” Cousins added.

The Senators have not made the playoffs since 2017. With hopes of doing so next season, they made several key moves, including signing Cousins, acquiring veteran forwards David Perron and Michael Amadio, and hiring Travis Green as their new head coach. Linus Ullmark also joined possibly as their primary.

Senators GM Steve Staios' statement on signing Nick Cousins

Nick Cousins from Belleville, Ontario, played 12 playoff games and had 15 points in the regular season. Senators GM Steve Staios praised Cousins' NHL experience and his gritty play after signing him for one year.

“Nick has gained a lot of valuable experience playing almost 600 games in the NHL and having played in the Stanley Cup Finals in two straight seasons,” Staios said. “He brings grit and tenacity to his game thatadds to the competitive nature of our group.” [via NHL.com]

Nick Cousins has appeared in 592 NHL games, scoring 180 points and accumulating 312 penalty minutes. He also has 15 points in 63 playoff games. He was drafted 68th overall in 2011 by the Philadelphia Flyers.