Ian Mendes

Senior Writer, NHL

Ian Mendes is a senior writer covering the NHL. Prior to joining The Athletic in 2021, he spent seven years as an afternoon talk show host for TSN 1200 in Ottawa and as a contributing writer for TSN.ca. He also worked as a television reporter and host with Rogers Sportsnet for 12 years and has served as a feature columnist for both The Ottawa Citizen and Today’s Parent magazine.

Senators' Steve Staios discusses 'disciplined' free agency, Shane Pinto and more

During his post-free agency media session, the Ottawa GM spoke on a wide range of topics and issues surrounding the team.

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NHL free agency 2024: What’s every team’s biggest need ahead of July 1?

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Senators coach Travis Green opens up about team vision, building relationships with players

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Why the Senators chose Carter Yakemchuk with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft

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Don Boyd prepares to run Senators' NHL Draft table on Friday: Q&A

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NHL Draft 2024: Will any (more) teams trade their first-round picks?

The NHL Draft's first round is approaching in a hurry, and the last-minute scramble for positioning is on.

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Senators GM Steve Staios 1-on-1: Linus Ullmark opportunity, trading No. 7 pick and more

Staios already got the ball rolling on his first offseason as Ottawa's general manager by acquiring Ullmark from Boston.

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Fifty years ago, the Sabres drafted a player who didn't exist: The legend of Taro Tsujimoto

Tsujimoto was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 11th round of the 1974 draft. The wrinkle? He wasn't real.

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Bruins trade Linus Ullmark to Senators for 2024 first-rounder, Joonas Korpisalo, Mark Kastelic

Ullmark, 30, who won the Vezina Trophy in 2023, is entering the final season of his four-year, $20 million contract.

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What a perfect week would look like for Senators GM Steve Staios

Six things Staios can do over the next seven days to ensure he's hit the right notes in his first offseason at the helm in Ottawa.

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What NHL offseason trades, signings and other moves would we like to see? One pick for each team

The Athletic asked its NHL staff what each team should prioritize this offseason, looking at free-agent signings, cap dumps, trades, more.

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NHL free agency 2024: Every team’s toughest decision, from Stamkos to Kane to Reinhart vs. Montour

With the draft coming Thursday and unrestricted free agency opening July 1, now is the time for teams to figure out their paths forward.

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Should the Senators consider drafting Tij Iginla at No. 7 in the 2024 NHL Draft?

Tij — the son of Jarome Iginla — is a forward who may very well sneak into the top 10 of this year's draft class.

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Utah Hockey Club reveals temporary name, colors and jerseys for 2024-25 NHL season

The team will play with jerseys adorned with the word "Utah" on the front during its inaugural season.

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Ten takeaways from Senators' season ticket holder event: Draft pick, new arena and more

The Senators invited roughly 1,500 of their fans to an event inside the Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday. Here's what we learned.

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Trial date for charged Canada 2018 world junior players remains unclear

Justice Alissa Mitchell asked players' lawyers to return to the courtroom August 13 to "potentially" firm up the dates for the jury trial.

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Senators prospect Tyler Boucher on latest injuries: 'I'm still hungry and I'm still positive'

Ottawa's No. 10 in pick the 2021 draft knows some fans have already labelled him as a bust, and he wants them to know he's frustrated, too.

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How PWHL Ottawa managed to lead the league in attendance

In their inaugural season, PWHL Ottawa led the league in attendance, despite being the league's smallest market by a healthy margin.

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Utah's NHL team narrows field down to 6 potential names

Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) announced it was launching the second round of its survey process to help select a name for Utah's NHL team.

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What could the Senators' next TV deal look like? Which prospects are ready?: Mailbag, Part 2

Also, what should the realistic expectations be for Senators fans next season?

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Why the Oilers are not 'Canada's team' in the Stanley Cup Final

Will the majority of die-hard hockey fans in Canada actively root for the Oilers as if they were cheering on their own team? Of course not.

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NHL Stanley Cup Final predictions: Athletic staff picks for Oilers-Panthers, Conn Smythe and more

For the 11th time since last offseason, The Athletic polled its NHL staff this week for their favorite to win the Stanley Cup.

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NHL Utah surpasses 34,000 season ticket deposits, will sell discounted 'partial-ice-view' seats

The number of potential season ticket holders far exceeds the maximum capacity for NHL hockey at the Delta Center.

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Daniel Alfredsson returning to Senators bench as part of Travis Green's coaching staff

Alfredsson was named to Green's bench staff on Tuesday alongside new assistant coaches Mike Yeo and Nolan Baumgartner.

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Ottawa Senators' UFA targets, Carter Yakemchuk, LeBreton Flats and more: Mailbag, Part 1

Yakemchuk could be an option for Ottawa's No. 7 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, but his penalty minutes are worth a closer look.

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