After a one-year hiatus, the Ottawa Senators once again have an ECHL affiliate, and one with a fitting name, too. The club announced earlier today that they’ve reached a one-year affiliation agreement with the Atlanta Gladiators for the 2021-22 season. Ottawa had previously been affiliated with the Brampton Beast from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
Having a second affiliate team once again will guarantee that every one of the organization’s prospects under contract will see ample playing time. We could see one of Kevin Mandolese and Mads Søgaard start in goal for them, although both are likely AHL-caliber, the additional ice-time available should be helpful to their development, as well as that of other players, as well.