Ottawa Senators

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Lore & Background

The 2013 off-season reshaped the Senators' identity. On July 5, in a move that shocked Ottawa fans, captain Daniel Alfredsson signed with the Detroit Red Wings, ending his 17-year association with the team. 'It pretty much came down to a selfish decision in terms of I have not won a Stanley Cup, a big priority for me,' Alfredsson explained. He added, 'I feel that in Ottawa they are getting closer and closer and they have a really bright future in front of them, but at this point in my career there's not much left. I don't have the time to wait for that.' Later that same day, the Senators made a major trade with the Anaheim Ducks, acquiring multiple 30-goal scorer Bobby Ryan. The Senators gave up first-year player Jakob Silfverberg, junior prospect Stefan Noesen and the team's first-round pick in the 2014 NHL entry draft. Ryan tweeted, 'I'm coming in hot, Ottawa,' a reference to the film Top Gun. He was expected to play on the top line with Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek.

In Their Own Story

On December 1, former captain Daniel Alfredsson made his first return visit to Ottawa as a member of the Detroit Red Wings. He was honoured with a video tribute before the game and a standing ovation from the fans. Alfredsson scored an empty net goal, enabling him to have scored against all 30 NHL teams, and also had an assist on Detroit's first goal. The Red Wings won the game 4–2. The Senators also played in the 2014 Heritage Classic game against the Vancouver Canucks on March 2, 2014, at BC Place, Vancouver. The Senators unveiled a white version of their heritage third jersey for the game. The Canucks resurrected a uniform of the Vancouver Millionaires of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association from the 1910s. The Senators won the game 4–2. At the trade deadline of March 5, the team was four points out of a playoff spot. They added Ales Hemsky for the stretch run, giving up two draft picks. The Senators, whom a lot of media had predicted were going to contend in the Eastern Conference, were eliminated from playoff contention on April 8.

Reader's Guide

For fans visiting Ottawa's arena, the 2013–14 season offered a mix of nostalgia and new faces. The departure of Daniel Alfredsson was the dominant story, but the arrival of Bobby Ryan gave fans a new offensive star to watch. Key games included Alfredsson's return on December 1, where he scored an empty-net goal to complete a career milestone, and the Heritage Classic on March 2, where the Senators beat the Canucks 4–2 in a special outdoor game. Off the ice, assistant general manager Tim Murray left on January 9, 2014, to become general manager of the Buffalo Sabres. Pierre Dorion and Randy Lee became joint assistant general managers, splitting Murray's duties. General manager Bryan Murray's contract was extended for two years on January 13, with the additional title of president of hockey operations. Veteran defenceman and assistant captain Chris Phillips was re-signed for two years at the trade deadline.

Did You Know?

• Daniel Alfredsson scored an empty-net goal on his first return to Ottawa as a Red Wing, enabling him to have scored against all 30 NHL teams.
• The Senators traded for Bobby Ryan on July 5, 2013, giving up Jakob Silfverberg, Stefan Noesen, and a first-round pick in the 2014 draft.
• The Senators played in the 2014 Heritage Classic at BC Place, Vancouver, winning 4–2 against the Canucks.
• Assistant general manager Tim Murray left the Senators on January 9, 2014, to become general manager of the Buffalo Sabres.
• The Senators were eliminated from playoff contention on April 8, 2014.