Overview | Schedule | Roster | Line Combinations |Stats | Salary Cap
Prospects
| History | Management | Goaltending | Season Preview

Founded and established by Ottawa real estate developer Bruce Firestone, the team is the second NHL franchise to use the Ottawa Senators name. The original Ottawa Senators, founded in 1883, had a famed history, winning 11 Stanley Cups, and played in the NHL from 1917 until 1934. On Dec. 6, 1990, after a two-year public campaign by Firestone, the NHL awarded a new franchise, which began play in the 1992–93 season. In total, the present-day Senators have reached the postseason 17 times, including a trip to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, which they lost to the Anaheim Ducks. 

Ottawa Senators: Revisiting the Zibanejad Trade

The Ottawa Senators have been known to mismanage their assets. One that stands out is the trade that involved Derick Brassard and Mika Zibanejad. On July 18, 2016, the Senators traded Zibanejad and a 2018 second-round pick (Jonatan Berggren) to the New York Rangers for Brassard and a 2018 seventh-round pick (Luke Loheit). The Berggren pick would not be used by the Rangers, but this trade was a win for New York from the start. Hindsight is 20/20, but this trade dealt a major blow to the Senators and their progress towards becoming competitive. It gave the Rangers a legitimate…

How Craig Anderson Became the Heart of the Senators

Craig Anderson’s NHL journey didn’t follow a straight path. Drafted twice—first by the Calgary Flames in 1999, then by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2001—he bounced between six teams before quietly becoming one of the league’s longest-serving goaltenders. When he finally landed in Ottawa, he found his stride. Along with Patrick Lalime and Ron Tugnutt, he was one of the top three goalies in Ottawa Senators history. My call is that he was the best, hands down. Anderson’s Value Was More Than Just Good Numbers Anderson’s value to the Senators went far beyond numbers. His stats were strong—319 wins and a…

Senators Prioritizing Roster Depth & Refreshing the Farm System

Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice honoured his fourth line for all they did during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs by sending them out for the final shift before they hoisted the Cup for the second time in two seasons. His heartwarming gesture was a reminder of the often thankless work that fourth-liners do for their team, yet without them, they wouldn’t be Stanley Cup champs. Just look back at past winners – the Panthers had Nick Cousins and Kevin Stenlund in 2024, the Tampa Bay Lightning had Ross Colton in 2021, the Colorado Avalanche had Nicholas Aube-Kubel in 2022, and…

The Hockey Writers Substack banner Ottawa Senators

Today in Hockey History: July 8

Yesterday in Hockey History: July 7 Tomorrow in Hockey History: July 9 This date, in 1995, proved to be a very eventful one with the National Hockey League’s annual Entry Draft and the usual dealings that go with it. Over the years, it has also seen some veteran players end…

Today in Hockey History: July 5

Yesterday in Hockey History: July 4 Tomorrow in Hockey History: July 6 Despite no games on the schedule, July 5 has been a rather busy day in National Hockey League history. We’ve seen some familiar faces in new places, plenty of coaching changes, and a generational talent received a huge…

 

More Senators News, Opinion and Archives

Senators FAQ

What year were the Ottawa Senators founded?

The current version of the Senators was founded and established by Ottawa real estate developer Bruce Firestone in 1992.

When did the Ottawa Senators play their first game?

The Senators’ first game was played on Oct. 8, 1992, against the Montreal Canadiens. They won 5-3.

Who is the current head coach of the Ottawa Senators?

Travis Green is the current head coach of the Ottawa Senators.