Nick Cousins is convinced he can be the game-changer the Ottawa Senators need to reach new heights
Nick Cousins, a new addition to the Ottawa Senators, believes he could be the difference-maker the team needs to finally secure a playoff spot.
With the Senators narrowly missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in recent seasons, Cousins' confidence stems from his experience in the NHL and his recent two Stanley Cup Finals runs with the Florida Panthers.
In an interview with Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch, Cousins expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Senators, highlighting his potential impact on the team.
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,» Cousins told Garrioch. 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 noted that the leadership core of the Senators, particularly players like Claude Giroux and Brady Tkachuk, played a significant role in his decision to sign with the team. The presence of seasoned leaders combined with a young, hungry roster made Ottawa an attractive destination for the veteran forward.
I've been in some high-pressure situations and high-pressure games, Cousins said. That's what we're going to go through here when the season gets going here, then into March and April when we're playing in playoff-game-like atmospheres. We'll be going into tough buildings when the emotions are high, and just to be in the room and help these guys, knowing they already have tremendous leaders with (Claude) Giroux, Brady (Tkachuk), and those guys.
Another key factor in Cousins' decision was a conversation with new head coach Travis Green. The forward emphasized the importance of joining a team with a clear direction and a coach who shares his vision for the season.
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 said.
As the Ottawa Senators prepare for the upcoming NHL season, the pressure will be on to deliver a playoff berth. Cousins' comments underscore his belief that he can be the catalyst for the team's success.
However, if the Senators fall short once again, these confident statements could come back to haunt him, particularly if his on-ice performance doesn't match his expectations.
Source: The Score
Cousins: 'I can help' Senators take next step}»
POLL |
SEPTEMBRE 1 | 87 ANSWERS Nick Cousins is convinced he can be the game-changer the Ottawa Senators need to reach new heights Do you think Nick Cousins will help the Ottawa Senators make the playoffs? |
Yes | 24 | 27.6 % |
No | 63 | 72.4 % |
List of polls |
|
11 hours ago | By Tom Banks Insider Reveals Who the Vancouver Canucks Originally Wanted to Sign Instead of JT Miller |
|
13 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Elliotte Friedman Suggests Penguins Could Strike a Trade with Atlantic Division Team |
|
16 hours ago | By Tom Banks Insider Drops JT Miller's Potential New Team Amid Major Fallout With Canucks |
|
17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Edmonton Oilers Make Major Move Signing Veteran Defenseman |
|
18 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Sabres Star Forward Dylan Cozens Linked to Canadian Team, per Pierre LeBrun |
|
19 hours ago | By Julien Trekker Major Trades Incoming as Kyle Dubas Ready to Completely Reshape Penguins Roster |
|
Jan 16 | By Tom Banks Mikko Rantanen Draws Interest from Multiple Teams as Avalanche Struggle to Secure Extension |
|
Jan 16 | By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks Forward Brock Boeser Likely to be Traded by Deadline, per Insider |
Previously on Hockey Trade Rumours