The Ottawa Senators are poised on the brink of a pivotal season, and at the heart of their future success is Tyler Kleven, a rookie who is set to shoulder a considerable responsibility. As the Senators navigate the upcoming NHL season, it is becoming increasingly clear that Kleven is not merely competing for a spot on the team but is expected to play a central role in their defensive lineup. The task before him is daunting: he will likely be tasked with anchoring the club’s bottom-pairing defensive unit, a challenge that will test his abilities and impact the Senators’ fortunes.

Tyler Kleven’s journey to this critical role has been anything but conventional. After a notable college career with the University of North Dakota, Kleven joined the Senators for a brief stint during the 2022-23 season. His debut was marked by a blend of physicality and a distinctive style of play that set him apart from his peers. In those eight games, Kleven displayed a promising blend of attributes: a booming shot, a willingness to engage physically, and a knack for disrupting the opposition. Despite his promising debut, it was surprising that he didn’t see more action during the following preseason, a decision that now seems to have been part of a broader strategy.

The 2023-24 season saw Kleven make only a handful of appearances, largely due to the Senators’ decision to keep him in the AHL with the Belleville Senators. This decision was not a reflection of his development but rather a calculated move to allow him to mature further and avoid rushing his progress. General Manager Steve Staios has since explained that the aim was to provide Kleven with a controlled environment where he could continue to develop his game. This cautious approach appears to have been a prudent one, as Kleven showed significant growth in Belleville, finishing the season with solid statistics and contributing in both the regular season and playoffs.

Kleven’s impact in Belleville was substantial. With five goals, 21 points, and a +14 plus/minus rating in 53 regular-season games, he demonstrated his offensive capabilities and his ability to make a difference at both ends of the ice. His playoff performance, adding a goal and two assists in seven games, further underscored his potential and readiness for the NHL. This track record, combined with the strong underlying metrics from his limited NHL appearances, has contributed to the Senators’ decision to entrust him with a significant role.

The Senators’ decision to part ways with Erik Brannstrom, a restricted free agent, was a key factor in this scenario. Brannstrom, known for his puck-moving abilities and skating skills, was a stark contrast to Kleven’s more physical style. The decision to move on from Brannstrom was influenced by various factors, including financial considerations, but it also reflected the Senators’ belief in Kleven’s potential to fulfill the role of a regular NHL defenseman. Kleven’s physicality and defensive style are seen as a necessary complement to the team’s existing defensive assets, which have been criticized in the past for lacking toughness and robustness.

The contrast between Brannstrom and Kleven highlights the strategic shift in the Senators’ approach to their defensive corps. While Brannstrom’s game was characterized by finesse and mobility, Kleven brings a different set of attributes to the table. His physical presence and hard-hitting style are expected to provide a new dimension to the Senators’ defense, which has often been described as soft and susceptible to being overpowered by more aggressive opponents. Kleven’s ability to impose his size on the opposition is anticipated to address some of these concerns and add a much-needed element of grit to the blue line.

Kleven’s underlying metrics from his NHL appearances provide further insight into his potential impact. In the limited time he has spent on the ice, the Senators have generated a higher percentage of shots, shots on goal, expected goals, and scoring chances while Kleven has been on the ice. These metrics, while based on a relatively small sample size, are indicative of Kleven’s positive influence and his potential to contribute meaningfully at the NHL level. His performance with Jacob Bernard-Docker, his most frequent defensive partner during the 2022-23 season, was particularly notable. The Senators generated a high percentage of shots, shots on goal, and expected goals during their time together, suggesting a promising synergy between the two defensemen.

As the Senators prepare for the new season, Kleven’s role on the team is becoming increasingly clear. Barring any last-minute roster changes or acquisitions, he is expected to be the primary candidate for the left defense spot on the third pairing. The absence of a strong internal competitor for this role further reinforces the expectation that Kleven will be given this opportunity. The current depth chart reveals that the primary alternatives, such as Travis Hamonic and Jacob Bernard-Docker, are natural right shots and are projected to be lower on the defensive depth chart. This lack of viable left-shot options highlights the confidence the Senators have in Kleven’s ability to step into this role and perform effectively.

The upcoming season will be a significant test for Kleven. As a rookie, he will face the challenge of adapting to the NHL’s pace and intensity while carrying a crucial role in the team’s defensive setup. The quality of depth on the right side of the defense, behind key players like Nick Jensen and Artem Zub, adds another layer of complexity to Kleven’s task. The Senators will be looking to him to stabilize the bottom pair and contribute to the team’s overall defensive performance. The expectation is that Kleven will rise to this challenge and prove himself as a key component of the Senators’ blue line.

The intrigue surrounding Kleven’s usage and playing partners throughout the preseason and training camp will be closely watched. The Senators’ coaching staff will need to carefully manage his deployment and provide him with the necessary support to succeed. It will be important to monitor how Kleven integrates with his defensive partners and how he adapts to the various demands of the NHL game. The effectiveness of this integration will play a crucial role in determining the overall success of the Senators’ defensive unit.

However, Tyler Kleven is on the cusp of a defining season with the Ottawa Senators. The responsibility placed on him is substantial, as he is expected to anchor the club’s bottom-pairing defensive unit and bring a new level of physicality and defensive prowess to the team. The Senators’ decision to move on from Erik Brannstrom and their confidence in Kleven’s abilities reflect a strategic shift in their defensive approach. As Kleven prepares to step into this role, all eyes will be on him to see how he handles the pressure and whether he can contribute to the Senators’ success in the upcoming season.