Hard to say for sure, no doubt about that. It looks to me like for now the sens will be holding tight, hoping the team can come together this year. It is a contract year for the big names, so they will be motivated. Finishing 30th was an embarrassing season for all involved, I imagine some bounceback will be evident. A long off-season of training will help in that regard.
There are also multiple spots up for grabs that will be filled by young players. I think White, Chlapik, Paul, and Wolanin all have good shots to land a role. With younger guys like Formenton, Brown, Batherson and Tkachuk knocking on the door as well. A few other darkhorses in Jaros and Englund could surprise too.
An injection of youth coupled with a bounceback year from some of the veterans and a total buy in from the group on a revamped system from the coaching staff could push the team into a playoff spot. Margins in the NHL are so tight, just need to get on the right side of them.
I think something along those lines is what Dorion is hoping for this season. There is a great deal of risk involved for sure, but the Senators situation is one where there is high risk in every scenario. No 1st rounder, tanking is out of the question. Expiring contracts for Karl, Stone, Duchene. Tight budget, unstable ownership. Best hope is the players and coaches build a real strong team chemistry and find a style that they can continuously improve all season.