Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators returned to the NHL in 1992, reviving a franchise name that had won 11 Stanley Cups in the early days of professional hockey (the original Senators last played in 1934). The modern expansion team, however, had to start from scratch and endured brutally difficult early seasons, including a historically bad 10-70-4 record in their inaugural 1992-93 season.

Despite the on-ice struggles, the franchise laid a foundation through the draft, selecting players like Alexei Yashin, Alexandre Daigle (first overall in 1993), and Daniel Alfredsson (who won the Calder Trophy in 1996). The team moved from the Ottawa Civic Centre to the new Palladium (later Canadian Tire Centre) in Kanata in 1996, though the suburban location would become a long-running point of contention.

Daniel Alfredsson became the heart and soul of the franchise, serving as captain and embodying the team's identity for over a decade. The Senators became one of the NHL's best regular season teams in the early 2000s, winning the Presidents' Trophy in 2003 and consistently finishing among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Players like Marian Hossa, Jason Spezza, and Dany Heatley provided elite offensive talent.

The franchise reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2007, losing to the Anaheim Ducks in five games. Despite the loss, the run represented the pinnacle of the modern franchise and validated the team's ability to compete at the highest level. The era was also marked by financial challenges, as owner Eugene Melnyk's cost-cutting measures sometimes limited the team's ability to retain key players.

Erik Karlsson emerged as one of the most dynamic defensemen in NHL history, winning two Norris Trophies with the Senators. His skating ability, offensive instincts, and flair made him one of the most exciting players in the league. The 2017 playoff run was a highlight, with the Senators reaching Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins, losing in double overtime in a heartbreaking conclusion.

However, the franchise's financial constraints under Eugene Melnyk's ownership led to a series of moves that dismantled the competitive roster. Karlsson was traded to San Jose in 2018, and other key players were dealt as well, sending the franchise into a full rebuild. The relationship between Melnyk and the fanbase deteriorated, creating a challenging environment for the organization.