Senators Need to Find Roster Spot for Stephen Halliday Next Season – Hockey Writers – Ottawa Senators

After 30 games with the Ottawa Senators, Stephen Halliday recently signed a two-year, $2.15 million contract with the club. A native of Ajax, Ontario, Halliday tallied 11 points (four goals, seven assists) with Ottawa after being a point-per-game performer in 29 games with the Belleville Senators this season.

A small salary increase from the $950,000 entry level deal indicates big things to come for the Sens’ fourth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Halliday’s size, youth and playmaking ability make him a valuable addition to the lineup, but what role will he play next season and on what line?

In order to continue to “build” his game as president and general manager Steve Staios hopes, the Senators must consider opening up a permanent roster spot for the 23-year-old player to grow into a bigger role.

The USHL’s journey to the NHL

Although born in Ontario, Halliday chose not to play minor in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), instead advancing to the United States Hockey League with the Central Illinois Flying Aces for one season and the Dubuque Fighting Saints for three others.

In 215 USHL games, Halliday recorded multiple points (68 goals and 147 assists), including a 35-goal, 95-point performance in 2021-22 that led to him being selected 104th overall by Ottawa. Halliday’s performance also earned him a Big-10 scholarship to Ohio State University, where he recorded 77 points in 78 games before signing an American Hockey League (AHL) contract with Belleville for the remaining 10 games of the 2023-24 season, including five assists in that stretch.

After recording a combined 56 points in his first two AHL contests, Halliday received the call to join the Anaheim Senators on November 20, 2025, replacing the injured Ridley Greig. Halliday, centering the fourth line with Nick Cousins ​​and Hayden Hodgson, logged 5:28 of ice time while assisting on Shane Pinto’s power play goal for his first career point – the first NHL game with a big impact.

Shane Pinto has his 10th of the season (in just 20 games) and Stephen Halliday has his first NHL point. #GoSensGo the game was tied at two going into the third period. pic.twitter.com/O9u0Jkuhe1

— Andrew Wilimek (@AndrewWilimek) November 21, 2025

With his play on the road and his contributions offensively, Halliday was given several more opportunities at the 4C forward position before later scoring his first goal in a game against the Nashville Predators on Jan. 22 – and the rest is history.

Playing Style and Skills

With his 6-foot-4, 212-pound frame, Halliday is able to protect the puck while stripping it from his target in the battle. At times, he can also be a strong player who uses his trick game – not only to stop, but tricky passes, turns and fakes to create separation.

Halliday may not be the fastest bowler in the world, but he uses that to his advantage by slowing the game down, delaying the pull of his defenders before he slips between them or over their sticks. He doesn’t throw his whole body – he averaged 30 hits in as many games at the NHL level – but he stays in the net at the right time.

Besides, with the right line, Halliday won’t need to be the type of power forward the Sens want. Instead, he has the ability to play forward, using his size at both ends of the ice to move the puck away from opposing players and set up his options from anywhere.

Where could he play?

Halliday’s size and versatility to play center and wing make him the best option out of nine on the Senators’ roster. His ability can also be used on the power play and perhaps lead to a change in the top six.

That said, Warren Foegle and Fabian Zetterlund – who are also under contract this year – could take over some of those winning positions. This prepares Halliday for that fourth line center position with those two on his wings, leaving the option to feed the injured forward and two goal scorers.

This is the most likely outcome for Halliday, given his salary and the choice to allow Cousins ​​or the current 4C, Lars Eller, to leave in free agency. But moving to such an important position in the team will put more pressure on him to improve defensively.

What about the third row? Pinto has established himself as the center of that line, so not only will Halliday be more versatile as a fullback, but Michael Amadio can sit on the right wing and lift things up defensively. Cousins ​​could stick around and set up a fourth line with Zetterlund and Foegle.

Regardless of power play or middle six time, for Halliday to be successful in his development, it’s not only important how much time he gets, but also who he plays with. The Senators should realize this if they want good results from him next season.