Firstly, a clarification: this list includes only a player's career with the Sens franchise, that's why players such as Sergei Gonchar and Dominik Hasek will not be appearing on this list. With that in mind, let's jump right into it with number 25.
25. Zack Smith
2008-Present (10 Seasons)
Stats: 498 GP, 82 G, 72 A, 154 PTS, 575 PIMSummary: Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2008 Entry Draft, Smith made his debut later that year on an emergency basis. After playing just one game for the big club, he was sent back to Binghamton where he would score 48 points in 79 games. The following season, he took part in 15 regular season games scoring his first two NHL goals, along with all six games in the team's Round 1 tilt with the Penguins. Smith soon became a stalwart of the Sens' middle six forwards but it was in the 2015-16 season where Smith really came into his own, scoring 25 goals, good enough for second on the team. Known for his gritty play and sneaky scoring ability, Smith has struggled with injury and inconsistency so far this year as the team continues to crash out of the playoff picture.
Signature Moment: Before he became a goal scoring weapon, Smith managed to snipe home his first goal against Carey Price, shorthanded nonetheless.
24. Jason York
1996-2001 (5 Seasons)
Stats: 380 GP, 25 G, 99 A, 124 PTS, 309 PIM
Summary: Acquired from the Mighty Ducks just days prior to the 1996-97 season, York became a vital part to the young team's defense corps. The right shooting defensive defenseman didn't score much but his play in his own end helped the Sens finally reach the post-season in their fifth year in the league. In his five seasons in Ottawa, York helped the Senators to the playoffs every time in what was the early days of a franchise that would become a model of consistency in the 2000s. After the 2000-01 season, York returned to Anaheim. York later went on to a broadcasting career and now is a part owner and director of hockey operations for the Kemptville 73's of the CCHL.
Signature Moment: York's career was that of silent efficacy. Known for his defensive presence, he's not the kind of player you'd expect to generate many shot attempts. But that's exactly what happened during a January 1999 tilt with the Islanders when York managed an astounding 12 shots on goal.
23. Todd White
2000-2004 (4 Seasons)
Stats: 230 GP, 58 G, 86 A, 144 PTS, 78 PIM
Summary: White was relatively obscure, undersized centreman when he came to the nation's capital. The local boy from Kanata would rapidly develop into a two-way threat in the Senators' top 6. While his first and last season were nothing spectacular with White only tallying 4 and 9 goals respectively, his pair of 20 goal seasons while playing big minutes from 2001-2003 were an invaluable aspect to a team that was quickly on the rise to top contender status. White went on to bounce around the league for the rest of the decade, with stops in Minnesota and Atlanta before going back and forth between the Rangers and their AHL affiliate in Hartford in 2010-11 before hanging them up. Now a member of the TSN1200 crew, White may not have had the most remarkable of careers, but for two seasons, he was an integral part of a growing dynasty.
Signature Moment: This video will probably show up a few times but for now go to the 0:53 second mark as White scores an OT winner in Round 2 against the Isles.
22. Chris Kelly
2004-2011, 2016-2017 (8 Seasons)
Stats: 545 GP, 80 G, 108 A, 188 PTS, 272 PIM
Summary: Throughout their history, the Sens have been known for their knack of finding gems in the mid to late rounds of the draft. A fourth round pick in 1999, Kelly was never a big-time prospect. In fact, aside from 4 games in 2004, he didn't crack the NHL until after the lockout. During that 2004-05 lost season, Kelly was a top offensive contributor on a Binghamton team seeping with NHL-ready talent, led by a 21-year old Jason Spezza. After that final conditioning stint, Kelly never looked back. While he never topped 20 goals with the Senators, he was a model of consistency. Reaching double digit goals in every season during his initial stint with the Sens. He was also a reliable penalty killer which led the eventual cup champion Boston Bruins to pull the trigger on a trade to bring him to Bean-town in 2011. Kelly eventually returned to Ottawa on a one-year deal last season where he didn't come particularly close to cracking the 10-goal barrier he had been relied on to in his past seasons but his penalty killing remained a vital part of a team that shocked many. Kelly played nine games on a tryout basis for Belleville this season but did not record a single point. He is currently playing for Canada in the Spengler Cup and is an Olympic hopeful.
Signature Moment: While he was by no means ever a sniper, Chris Kelly could definitely put the puck in the net. As the only real offensive threat on a line with Jarkko Ruutu and Chris Neil, he accounted for all of Ottawa's goals in a 3-1 victory over the Rangers in December of 2010. Notice that two of the three goals were when the Rangers skaters outnumbered the Sens'.
21. Mike Hoffman
2011-Present (7 Seasons)
Stats: 297 GP, 94 G, 104 A, 198 PTS, 99 PIM
Summary: A fifth rounder in 2009, Hoffman was seen as skinny kid with offensive gifts but very little else. But, through patience and persistence, Hoffman worked his way up from the ECHL all the way up to the NHL in just over a year. But Hoffman's time with the big club was short as he was subsequently sent back to Bingo after one game. Hoffman would be up and down in 2012-13 before bursting onto the scene in his age 24 season, leading the team with 27 goals during the miraculous season in which Andrew Hammond carried the team to record-setting playoff birth. Ever since, Hoffman has surpassed the 25-goal mark in each of his seasons while establishing himself as a top line quality player and his wicked shot is considered one of the best in the league. To this day, Hoffman remains one of the Sens top players with a value contract that no one would even entertain moving... wait, what?
Signature Moment: While he has developed into a fine all-around player, Hoffman's best attribute remains, as it was when he was drafted, his shot. During the Eastern Conference Finals when the Sens were down 3-2 in the series to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mike Hoffman unleashed a shot that he may as well have been saving for that very moment.
20. Milan Michalek
2009-2016 (7 Seasons)
Stats: 412 GP, 115 G, 109 A, 224 PTS, 202 PIM
Summary: Acquired from San Jose as a result of the bitter break-up between the Sens and Dany Heatley, scoring a total of 40 goals in his first two seasons in the nation's capital before exploding for 35 in 2011-12. Michalek's goal scoring rate dropped in the lockout shortened season but he came alive tallying 3 goals in 10 games as the Sens made it past the first round for the first time since their 2007 run to the Cup finals. Known for his speed and shot, Michalek exceeded expectations with Ottawa. He had big shoes to fill after being traded for Heatley, probably the best pure goal scorer ever to play in Ottawa, but his performance early on helped ease the sting and thanks to Heatley's sharp decline, made Ottawa look like a potential winner in that deal. Right around when he turned 30 however, Michalek began a decline of his own, after his 35 goal campaign, he never hit 20 markers in a season again. Injuries were also an issue for him as he faded away until he was announced as part of the bombshell trade between the Sens and the Leafs that saw Dion Phaneuf come to town. He hung in with the Leafs for a while before being sent to the Marlies and has since seen his contract expire with no suitors.
Signature Moment: When the All-Star Game came to Ottawa in 2012, the fan vote was perhaps the most ludicrous in history with the Sens getting four players and almost a fifth as Sergei Gonchar fell just short. In hindsight however, much of the love for the four attendees was deserved but perhaps none more than Michalek, who was leading the league in goals before his injury. While his career was one of ups and downs the All-Star Game was a definite bright spot for him and well deserved. The video below is a nice reminder of his great personality and the jaw-dropping brilliance he was capable of.
19. Bobby Ryan
2013-Present (5 Seasons)
Stats: 319 GP, 81 G, 116 A, 197 PTS, 129 PIM
Summary: Before there was the DucheneWatch™, there was Bobby Ryan. Speculation of a trade for the Ducks star winger began long before he came in hot to Ottawa. While he never lived up to the hype, or the trade, or the contract, he provides top 6 offense for the Sens and can show signs of brilliance. The Ryan trade was the work of the late Bryan Murray who had been pursuing him for over a year. After Daniel Alfredsson shocked the nation and left for Detroit, Murray finally pulled the trigger on the long anticipated deal. Ryan hovered around the 20-goal mark for his first three seasons with the Senators but last year his finger issues got the better of him and he only managed to record 13 in an abbreviated campaign. But with the ice thawing and the Sens about to embark on that magical 2017 playoff run, the Bobby Ryan that Murray had envisioned suiting up for the team finally arrived. Just in time for Murray to witness it, Ryan caught fire in the spring, with 6 goals in 19 games, he would've been a potential Conn Smythe candidate had the Senators gone all the way. But now, with Ryan's finger once again causing him grief, its safe to say the player the Sens hoped they acquired in 2013 will never truly show up. That being said, Ryan is still a productive player and can still control the game for stretches the way few players can.
Signature Moment: The 2017 playoff run was the result of standout performances by the entire team but perhaps no player stepped up more than Ryan, his OT winner to take game 1 from the Penguins will be a goal that will forever be remembered in Senators' lore.
18. Zdeno Chara
2001-2006 (4 Seasons)
Stats: 299 GP, 51 G, 95 A, 146 PTS, 554 PIM
Summary: Part of the 2001 off-season trade between the Sens and Isles that sent Alexei Yashin to Nassau, Chara was a relatively risky addition to the trade. A tall lanky Slovakian defender who had shown little upside in parts of four season on Long Island. Still, Ottawa saw enough to ask for him as the immediate help they'd get in the trade that would also lead to them drafting Jason Spezza days later. In his tenure with the Senators he was one of the most fearsome two-way defenders in the game. With a booming shot and a massive 6'9" frame, he was the kind of player teams could only imagine. While he only played four seasons for the Sens, he was instrumental in their rise from playoff team to an Eastern Conference juggernaut. Though his departure led to some hard feelings on either side, Sens fans were certainly happy to see him lift the Cup as captain of the Bruins in 2011.
Signature Moment: Just mention Chara to Sens fans and most will immediately think to the saga with him and Wade Redden where one had to leave. While management may have ultimately made the wrong decision choosing Redden over the Slovakian, that's not what we're going to focus on here. There'll be plenty of opportunities to use this part to mention ugly break-ups, so for now, let's go back to 2004 with what we'll generously call a fight.
17. Kyle Turris
2011-2017 (7 Seasons)
Stats: 407 GP, 117 G, 157 A, 274 PTS, 207 PIM
Summary: The former 3rd overall pick was coming off a nasty contract dispute with the then-Phoenix Coyotes in 2011. After eventually coming to an agreement and playing six games for the side, it was clear he was still not happy. So, the Senators swept in, left David Rundblad as if to say "sorry for your troubles" and came away with a shinny new toy in Turris. Turris went on to become a sharpshooter for the Sens, surpassing the 20-goal plateau thrice in his tenure with the team. Long the heir-apparent to Jason Spezza as top line centre, he stepped in after the captain's 2014 trade to Dallas and only grew his game further. Shipped out to Nashville as part of the three-way trade that saw Matt Duchene finally join the Senators, Turris is continuing to score for the Predators as they're out for revenge after falling just short of the ultimate goal a season ago. With Turris in the mix, they just might.
Signature Moment: Much like Hoffman, Turris' shot is a deadly weapon. While he was an underrated defensive centre, it's clear that sniping was what he did best and sometimes you just get a chance to flaunt your talents on the big stage like Turris did in his first playoff series as a Sen.
16. Shawn McEachern
1996-2002 (6 Seasons)
Stats: 454 GP, 152 G, 162 A, 304 PTS, 244 PIM
Summary: Acquired as part of a busy off-season that saw the team load up for a chance at a first playoff birth, McEachern bloomed into a solid top 6 forward who could play on the top line in a pinch. McEachern scored at least 20 goals in 4 of his 6 seasons and passed the 30-goal mark twice. McEachern was part of the group that became a playoff team but left before they became a force to be reckoned with. McEachern never really found his game in the playoffs, a trait that we may see a few times in this list, but was an integral part of the late 90s teams that helped the franchise regain respectability. Nowadays, McEachern coaches Prep School hockey in the States.
Signature Moment: As the 1996 season wound down, Ottawa was inching closer to their first ever post-season birth but still required a strong finish. In a late March contest against the Habs in Ottawa, McEachern scored not one but two goals to bolster the team's playoff hopes.
15. Craig Anderson
2011-Present (8 Seasons)
Stats: 320 GP, 160-111-38, 2.63 GAA, .918 SP, 26 SO
Summary: Early 2010s era Bryan Murray was perhaps one of the most brilliant trading GMs the game has seen. Seriously, are we sure this guy wasn't a Jedi? We've already seen the Kyle Turris trade but Murray outdid himself when he finally solved the Sens' goaltending woes when he exchanged starters with Colorado; Brian Elliott for Craig Anderson, straight up. Elliott did turn his career around after that but he had left the Avalanche and signed in St. Louis before that happened. Anderson has been the Senators undisputed starter ever since. Becoming the all-time leader in games played, wins, and pushing for the shutout record. He even generated some Vezina buzz in 2013 before an injury wiped out the second half of his regular season. With the exception of fill-in jobs by Andrew Hammond and Mike Condon, the Sens have ran with Anderson since he arrived. The Masterton victory last year for his perseverance and being with his wife during her cancer treatment was well-earned for a man who has worked hard to make it his entire career.
Signature Moment: After his wife Nicholle was diagnosed with cancer last season Anderson left the team to be with her. Upon his return, he posted a 37-save shutout in Edmonton. Cam Talbot sticking around to applaud his counterpart's effort is one of the cooler moments from last season.
14. Mark Stone
2012-Present (6 Seasons)
Stats: 286 GP, 90 G, 131 A, 221 PTS, 87 PIMSummary: The only thing better than Murray's ability to make good trades may have been his ability to scope out good prospects from late rounds. Stone was a 6th rounder in 2010 but quickly became a high-end prospect. Making his NHL debut in the playoffs in 2012, Stone recorded an assist and was well on his way to stardom. His overnight stardom didn't last however as it wasn't until 2014-15 that he was finally an NHL regular. From there, Stone has gone on to top 20 goals in each of his three full seasons and is on pace for a career season this year. His defensive game has always been strong, if not recognized, this season may be the season that he finally gets real Selke consideration. At only 25 years old and management announcing that he's not going anywhere, expect him to move up this list soon.
Signature Moment: While a dominant player, Stone lacks many true signature moments, at least positive ones that is. After Andrew Hammond carried the Sens to the playoffs in 2015, Ottawa and Montreal were set to face off in a rematch of their 2012 showdown. The series was fairly bland until midway through the second period of game 1 when Subban slashed Stone and all hell broke loose. Stone micro-fractured his wrist and while neither him nor Subban missed a game, the situation became ugly with Dave Cameron's tongue lashing of the Habs there series had been sparked and it was certainly an ugly one.
13. Martin Havlat
2000-2006 (5 Seasons)
Stats: 298 GP, 105 G, 130 A, 236 PTS, 166 PIM
Summary: No longer able to rely on high draft picks, the Sens took Havlat with the 26th pick in 1999 and he quickly became a solid NHLer. Scoring 19 as a rookie, Havlat then went on to eclipse 20 tallies the following year and peaked with a 31 goal campaign in 2003-04. Havlat was a second liner on some of the top Senators teams, serving as high-end secondary scoring for a team that was quickly becoming one of the league's best. Sadly, contract disputes and injuries marred Havlat's time with the team as he didn't stick around for the 2007 run to the finals. Havlat went on to have a solid NHL career, falling just short of 600 points. Havlat's case is one of missed opportunities and what-ifs but there's no denying he was a gifted scorer and one of the best players to ever lace 'em up for the Sens.
Signature Moment: YouTube is an invaluable resource when it comes to finding hockey clips but some inevitably slip through the cracks. In 2002 Havlat scored the OT winner in game 5 to stun the Flyers and eliminate the 2-seed from contention. Below is the best representation the internet had to offer. (0:48 mark)
12. Mike Fisher
1999-2011 (11 Seasons)
Stats: 675 GP, 167 G, 181 A, 348 PTS, 554 PIM
Summary: Another example of finding high-end player who can step into the league quickly, Mike Fisher was taken in round 2 of the 1998 draft and was playing 32 games in 1999-2000. Fisher was never known as a top scorer, even though he often topped 20 goals, but he was seen as a gritty two way player who was trusted on the power play. When Chris Kelly came along post-lockout, the Senators' middle 6 had a dynamic duo of two-way centres that could stymie top offensive players at both ends of the ice. After marrying Carrie Underwood and moving over to Nashville in the rebuild of 2011, Fisher would go on to captain the Preds during their run to the finals last season before hanging them up.
Signature Moment: While technically not a moment as a Senator, Fisher's return to Ottawa symbolized everything good about this franchise. Pictures of his work in the community showed why he was one of the most beloved players in franchise history. While Bryan Murray may have had a knack for trading this is a trade he didn't even worry about winning. The trade that sent Fisher to Nashville was personal. Murray had many offers for the veteran centre but he always knew that there was no option other than to send him to Nashville to be with his wife. The ovation he received is also worth a peek.
11. Chris Neil
2001-2017 (15 Seasons)
Stats: 1026 GP, 112 G, 138 A, 250 PTS, 2522 PIM
Summary: Drafted in the same 1998 class as Mike Fisher, the two struck up a friendship that lasted throughout their entire careers. Neil didn't break onto the scene as quickly as Fisher, waiting until 2001 to make his debut, but when he did he made the most of it scoring 10 goals in his rookie year. Neil was known for his tough-as-nails demeanor and nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic. Being a grinder, Neil wasn't expected to chip in on the scoresheet but he did regardless. Neil had five seasons with double digit goals, topping out with a 16 goal year in 2005-06. Neil was despised as a pest to the rest of the league but was still one of the most popular players on the Sens amongst the fanbase. Never suspended despite racking up over 2500 PIM, Neil toothless grin will long be etched in the memories of Sens fans, and opponents who saw it from down on the ice. Neil even got into a couple of games during the last playoff run. While it was controversial at the time and the decision is still subject to much scrutiny, it is no doubt as fitting send off to a Senators legend.
Signature Moment: Picking one moment for Neil's career is next to impossible. He was a fighter but above all he was just a tough player to play against. With that in mind, instead of one moment I leave you with this YouTube Top 10 Chris Neil hits.
So that's all for today. Come back tomorrow when we reveal the top 10. Feel free to comment below or wait until the list to be complete to yell at me. Either way, I look forward to the ensuing debates.
Awesome list ! Can hardly wait for the top ten .
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