The Ottawa Senators’ Honorary Ring was created to honor players and team staff who contributed uniquely to the organization but don’t fit into the categories of having their jersey retired or being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Hockey Hall of Fame has six former Senators: Daniel Alfredsson, Tom Barrasso, Zdeno Chara, Dominik Hasek, Marian Hossa, and former coach Roger Neilson.
Jersey retirements for the Senators include Chris Phillips, Daniel Alfredsson, and Chris Neil. When the current Senators franchise was revived, they retired Frank Finnigan’s No. 8, a star from the 1920s and 30s, to honor his role in helping owner Bruce Firestone and the team’s early 1990s efforts.
An interesting note: jersey retirement doesn’t automatically exclude a player from the Ring of Honor, as the two are distinct ways of recognizing contribution.
Currently, the Ring of Honor is a small, exclusive group with only three members: former coach and GM Brian Murray, longtime defenseman Wade Redden, and team owner Donald Chouinard.
With new ownership aiming for “best in class” status, it might be time to add more members. While current stars like Brady Tkachuk and Erik Karlsson can’t be included yet, here are five retired players who deserve a place in the Senators’ Ring of Honor:
1. Craig Anderson — The franchise leader in nearly every goaltending stat, Anderson led the team to the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals and came close to a Stanley Cup Final appearance. Despite the memorable setback against Chris Kunitz, Anderson is unquestionably the greatest goalie in Senators history.
2. Marian Hossa — Though some feel his time in Ottawa was brief, Hossa played 467 games, scored 390 points, and ranked 14th in games played for the club. He was traded early in his career but remains one of the most talented players to wear a Senators jersey.
3. Alexei Yashin — Often criticized because of contract disputes, Yashin was the only Senator nominated for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP. He played 504 games, scored 491 points, and showed remarkable talent despite controversy.
4. Jason Spezza — Ranking sixth in games played with 686, Spezza scored 251 goals and 687 points. Although his late captaincy and request for a trade caused disappointment, his contributions over many years make him highly deserving of this honor.
5. Dany Heatley — Heatley played only four seasons but was the sole 50-goal scorer in team history, achieving the feat twice. He formed a dynamic line with Alfredsson and Spezza and remains a fan favorite, making a strong case for inclusion.
Zdeno Chara and Mike Fisher also merit consideration, though fan opinions vary. The team shouldn’t be overly rigid about eligibility criteria. For a 33-year-old franchise, having only one Ring of Honor member looks sparse—it’s time to add some star names and bring excitement to this tradition.
By Steve Warne, Hockey News Ottawa (Photo credit: Marc Desrosiers-Image)
Fan Take: Expanding the Senators’ Ring of Honor brings much-needed recognition to pivotal players who shaped the team’s identity, fueling fan passion and preserving rich team history. Embracing these legends could inspire future generations and elevate the team’s legacy within the sport.
