Mathieu Joseph: A Silver Lining For The Senators

Sometimes, there are silver linings that appear out of unfortunate or unforeseen circumstances.

There have been several examples in recent years with the Ottawa Senators.

We’re all familiar with the “Hamburglar” run in 2015. Netminder Andrew Hammond was recalled from the American League after Craig Anderson cut his hand after slicing a frozen chicken and Robin Lehner sustained a concussion in a collision with Clarke MacArthur. Hammond went on a record-breaking 20-1-2 run, helping the team to overcome a 14-point deficit to gain a playoff berth.

Two seasons ago, centre Josh Norris missed 16 games due to injuring his shoulder. Tim Stützle shifted from left wing to his natural position in the middle, and the rest is history.

Last season, Norris underwent shoulder surgery after appearing in only eight games; Shane Pinto, in his first full campaign, was elevated to a top-six forward slot. Pinto went on to score 20 goals, adding 15 assists, but more importantly, became a key cog on the Senators’ penalty kill and power play units.

This season. it’s Mathieu Joseph who’s made good due to Pinto’s extended absence.

Joseph was the subject of trade rumours after a disappointing 2022-23 season. The 26-year old tallied only three goals in 56 games, none scored at even-strength during his first year of an $11.8 million, four-year deal.

The Senators were put in an unenviable position of having to trade a player earning $2-plus million to facilitate the re-signing of Pinto, who was and currently remains a restricted free agent. With his $2.9M cap hit, Joseph appeared to be on the outs.

But then Pinto was suspended due to violating the league’s gambling policy, permitting Joseph to keep his spot in the Senators’ lineup for the time-being.

And now, to the pleasure of Senators’ fans, coaches, and teammates, Joseph isn’t going anywhere but up in his team’s lineup.

Head coach D.J. Smith mentioned Thursday post-practice, he’s been his club’s most consistent forward.

“I think “Jo” has been likely our most consistent forward if I’m being honest. Whatever line he’s played on has had success. Arguably our best line had been was with him, Ridly (Greig) and (Vlad) Tarasenko) for a stretch. I think “Jo” provides an element of not being cautious; he’s the F3. He’s really good in the d-zone as well as the opportunity to get pucks back to Timmy and Drake (Batherson).”

Joseph makes each line he plays on better. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2014 120th overall selection’s five goals has him already surpassing last season’s total. His 16 points are fourth among all Senators’ players. Joseph is a deserving team-high plus-11 while averaging 16:58 time-on-ice, the most ice-time per game in any of his six NHL seasons.

What’s the secret to Joseph’s much-improved game? “Confidence” and preparing mentally for games.

“Yeah, I mean, I’m just trying to work hard, honestly. I’m trying to prepare every game. You know, go one game at a time, prepare every game and work as hard as I can when it’s time to go on the ice,” said Joseph post-game Saturday.

“I think a lot has come with my preparation, but also, you know, I think I’ve had some chemistry with some guys early on. And you know, obviously, I feel a little bit more confident around the team. It’s my second full year here. Knowing the guys and knowing the coaches and the system, and everything – obviously you feel more comfortable to be able to make more plays out there. I think it’s still early but I like my confidence so far this year.”

Last season, Joseph would’ve shot the puck immediately when the puck landed on his stick. But Saturday after Seattle Kraken Matty Beniers stumbled and lost the puck, Joseph intercepted, took his time to make a move, beating former Senators’ backstop Joey Daccord, depositing what stood up as the game-winning marker in the Senators’ 2-0 shutout victory.