Nick Cousins believes he can be the difference maker to help the Ottawa Senators take the next step

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Tyler Ball
September 1, 2024 (5:11 PM)

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Today new Ottawa Senators signee Nick Cousins spoke to the media and revealed that he believes he could be the biggest difference-maker for the Sens this season.

The Ottawa Senators have been on the cusp of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a couple of seasons now. Led by Brady Tkachuk the Senators have fell just short and been unable to find the x-factor to get them into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This offseason they signed forward Nick Cousins and he stated that he thinks he could be the missing piece.

In a new interview with Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia Nick Cousins said he was looking for the right group that he could come in and impact. He lists his 2 Stanley Cup Finals runs with the Florida Panthers as key experiences he can bring to the table.

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 Postmedia's Bruce 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

As for why he chose the Ottawa Senators over other young rosters it was the leadership already in place that enticed Nick Cousins. Particularly the presence of Claude Giroux and Brady Tkachuk.

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.

Finally, Nick Cousins confirmed a conversation with new head coach Travis Green helped solidify his decision to sign with the Ottawa Senators.

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.

With the NHL season about to get underway, the Ottawa Senators will be under a lot of pressure to perform and make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If they do not comments like today's from Nick Cousins could come back to haunt him especially if he struggles on the ice.

Source: The Score
Cousins: 'I can help' Senators take next step