No matter where a team picks in the NHL Draft each year, the results are often unpredictable. While picking early improves the odds of landing a future star, there are no guarantees, as Ottawa Senators fans know all too well.
That said, Ottawa has fared quite well when selecting near the top, especially in recent years. Here’s a look at nine key Senators players picked in the top five overall in the draft, perfect for offseason reading.
1. Brady Tkachuk – 4th overall, 2018
Tkachuk, the current captain and emotional leader, embodies the kind of player Ottawa hoped for. With 404 points over 512 games and a physical, hard-hitting style, he’s both productive and thrilling to watch. His leadership on and off the ice is a huge asset, and while it’s hard to fully explain his impact without mentioning his role in rallying teammates, he’s deeply respected.
Verdict: A fan favorite still in his prime, solid foundational player.
2. Tim Stützle – 3rd overall, 2020
At just 23, Stützle is among the NHL’s most exciting young talents and arguably the best player from his draft class. Hailing from Germany, he has tallied 326 points in 367 games and was recently recognized as NHL.com’s top player under 25. Ottawa struck gold picking him third overall after missing out on Alexis Lafrenière and Quinton Byfield.
Verdict: A rising superstar in the making.
3. Jake Sanderson – 5th overall, 2020
Selected shortly after Stützle, Sanderson rapidly emerged as one of the league’s finest young defensemen. His 57-point breakout in 2024-25 highlights his growing offensive abilities complementing his strong two-way game, making future Norris Trophy chatter realistic.
Verdict: A top-tier defenseman on the rise.
4. Jason Spezza – 2nd overall, 2001
One of Ottawa’s most skilled and productive players, Spezza scored 995 points in 1,248 NHL games and was instrumental in the team’s 2007 Stanley Cup run. After Daniel Alfredsson’s departure, Spezza wore the “C” with distinction. His induction into the team’s ring of honor seems inevitable.
Verdict: An elite playmaker and iconic franchise figure.
5. Chris Phillips – 1st overall, 1996
Although not a high scorer, Phillips was a consistent and loyal presence on Ottawa’s blue line for nearly two decades. His 1,179 games remain a franchise record, and his jersey number hangs from the rafters at Canadian Tire Centre. His leadership and dependability define his legacy.
Verdict: A true homegrown hero and team stalwart.
6. Alexei Yashin – 2nd overall, 1992
Yashin was Ottawa’s first real star and remains the only Senator nominated for the Hart Trophy. He scored 781 points in 850 games but had a complicated tenure marked by contract disputes and holdouts. Traded to the Islanders, the deal brought Ottawa draft picks that led to acquiring Zdeno Chara and Spezza, who became franchise cornerstones.
Verdict: Talented player with an even more impactful trade legacy.
7. Radek Bonk – 3rd overall, 1994
Bonk was a reliable two-way center who enjoyed a long and respectable career. However, given the high expectations after his draft and strong IHL performance, his output of 50-70 points in the early 2000s felt underwhelming.
Verdict: Dependable contributor, but not quite the star Ottawa hoped for.
8. Bryan Berard – 1st overall, 1995
Berard never played for Ottawa. After refusing to return to juniors, he was traded to the New York Islanders, bringing back Wade Redden, who had a standout career with the Senators. Berard’s promising career was cut short by severe eye injuries.
Verdict: The trade for Redden proved very valuable.
9. Alexandre Daigle – 1st overall, 1993
Daigle entered the league with sky-high expectations but struggled to translate his junior success into the professional ranks. While he had a decent career, he failed to live up to being the first overall pick and famously dismissed the impact of others drafted after him, including Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, who would have been a franchise cornerstone.
Verdict: A major draft disappointment despite initial hype.
Overall, the Senators have generally done well with their top-five draft picks, and their recent success, including potential Stanley Cup contention, is largely thanks to the early draft selections in 2018 and 2020.
Steve Warne
Hockey News Ottawa
Image credit: Jerome Miron – Imagn Image
Fan Take: This review of Ottawa’s draft history highlights the unpredictability and excitement of the NHL Draft, showing how key selections can reshape a franchise’s future. For hockey fans, it underscores the importance of scouting and player development in building a competitive team and sustaining long-term success.
