The 10 best players from each NHL team: Ottawa Senators

Jake Sanderson has wasted no time making a name for himself in the NHL. Since stepping onto the ice, his transition to the league has been seamless, and his impact has been immediate. His poise with the puck, defensive reliability, and ability to read the game at such a young age have already earned him recognition as one of the best up-and-coming blueliners in the league.

Many analysts and fans agree that Sanderson has quickly elevated himself into the conversation as a top-20 defenseman in the NHL, which is no small feat for a player so early in his career.

With his skating, intelligence, and overall maturity, he has the foundation to become the cornerstone of Ottawa’s blue line for years to come.

Claude Giroux may no longer be the same dynamic force he was in his prime, but his value to the Ottawa Senators remains undeniable.

Age has naturally slowed him down a bit, and his production isn’t quite what it once was, yet his presence on the ice still makes a significant difference.

More importantly, Giroux’s leadership and experience are invaluable to such a young Senators team. He knows what it takes to win and brings a level of professionalism that sets the tone in the locker room. Widely respected across the NHL as one of the league’s true veterans, he continues to guide his teammates while contributing in key moments, proving that his impact extends far beyond the scoresheet.

Shane Pinto became one of Ottawa’s most reliable young forwards the moment he made his NHL debut.  His strong two-way game and ability to contribute in all situations is very, very valuable for the Senators’ core. He’s shown that he can score timely goals, win important faceoffs, and play with the kind of responsibility that coaches love to see.

His maturity and consistency at such a young age is also very impressive. He doesn’t try to overcomplicate his game — instead, he relies on smart positioning, hustle, and work ethic to make an impact.

With the Senators pushing to become a playoff contender, Pinto’s continued growth will be a big part of their success in the years to come.

Fabian Zetterlund is starting to make a name for himself as a hardworking forward with the Ottawa Senators. He might not be the flashiest player on the ice, but his energy, determination, and ability to play a responsible game have already made him a useful piece of the lineup. Zetterlund isn’t afraid to battle in the corners, drive the net, and do the little things that help his team succeed.

For a Senators club that is looking to build a competitive identity, Zetterlund’s relentless effort and willingness to sacrifice for the team make him an underrated but valuable contributor.

His versatility is another quality that stands out. He can slot up and down the lineup depending on the needs of the team, and he brings the same intensity no matter the role he’s asked to play.

Drake Batherson is one of Ottawa’s most reliable offensive weapons… since for a long time.

His talent with the puck is undeniable—whether it’s creating plays for his teammates, finishing chances himself, or making smart decisions in the offensive zone, Batherson consistently finds ways to generate offense. He has been a steady presence for the Senators ever since entering the NHL, rarely going through prolonged slumps and always finding ways to contribute.

His skill, his ability to score, to defend, but also his consistency makes him a great player. Game after game, season after season, he has proven that he can be counted on to deliver. For a young team like the Senators that’s still looking to cement itself among the contenders, having a player as steady and offensively gifted as Batherson is crucial.

He gives Ottawa a dependable scoring threat who can be leaned on in big moments.

Dylan Cozens is  a young forward who blends power, speed, and skill in a way that makes him dangerous every single shift.

His progression since entering the league has been impressive, showing that he’s not only capable of producing offense, but also of handling the tough assignments that come with being a reliable NHL center.

Cozens has the ability to dictate the pace of play, whether it’s by driving to the net with authority, using his vision to set up teammates, or backchecking hard to break up plays.

That all-around game has earned him the trust of his coaches and the respect of his teammates. As he continues to grow into his role, the Senators are counting on Cozens to be one of the leaders of their young core and a player who can push them closer to becoming a true contender.

Brady Tkachuk is the undisputed leader of the Ottawa Senators, a player whose impact on and off the ice is immediately felt by teammates and opponents alike. As one of the premier forwards in the NHL, he combines physicality, skill, and relentless energy, making him a constant threat every shift.

Tkachuk isn’t just a scorer—he drives play, protects his teammates, and sets the tone for the team with his intensity and work ethic.

His presence in the locker room and on the ice defines the identity of the Senators, and his leadership is a key reason the club remains competitive. Simply put, he’s one of the top players in the league and the central figure around whom Ottawa builds its future.

Tim Stützle is an electrifying forward for the Ottawa Senators, already showing flashes of stardom despite his youth. At such an early stage in his career, he has already reached 90 points in a single season, showcasing his elite offensive talent and vision on the ice.

Stützle’s speed, creativity, and ability to make plays under pressure make him a constant threat to opposing teams.

Beyond his skill, he brings energy and excitement every shift, often elevating the play of those around him. Seen as one of the NHL’s rising stars, he is poised to become a future superstar and a cornerstone for the Senators’ success in the coming years.