Senators draft two Russian players at 2025 NHL Draft

At the 2025 NHL Draft, the Ottawa Senators selected two Russian prospects, signaling a shift in their player selection strategy under GM Steve Staios. This marks a departure from their history of hesitance to draft Russian players, with only one selection from 2008 to 2024. Staios had previously demonstrated a preference for size in the 2024 draft but broke with tradition by choosing Dmitri Isayev, a smaller, skilled forward, in the fifth round. The Senators may explore more Russian options with the 32nd pick in this year's draft, including Yegor Shilov and Gleb Pugachyov, as they continue to reshape their roster.

• 7:08 PMYahoo Sports — Senators At The NHL Draft: Has Ottawa Ended Their Russian Resistance?