Introduction
## NHL Draft Picks Are Always A Gamble. No matter where a team selects in the NHL Draft, success is never guaranteed—it’s always a gamble. Early picks improve the odds of landing a star, but history shows even top selections can falter. Ottawa Senators fans understand this all too well, having experienced the highs and lows of top-five draft picks. While the number one overall pick is coveted, it can just as easily backfire. Yet, Ottawa’s track record since 2000 reveals that when they do secure a top-five pick, they often find foundational talent that shapes the team’s future. ## Brady Tkachuk Is Ottawa’s Emotional Leader. Selected fourth overall in 2018, Brady Tkachuk has become the heart and soul of the Senators. With 404 points in 512 NHL games, his physical, high-energy style brings both production and passion. Tkachuk isn’t just a player; he’s a leader who “drags his teammates into the fight, ” embodying the grit Senators fans crave. Already beloved on the level of Daniel Alfredsson, Tkachuk is entering his prime and remains a key building block for Ottawa’s long-term success. ## Tim Stutzle Is The Next Superstar. The Senators struck gold with the third overall pick in 2020, selecting Tim Stutzle from Germany’s DEL. At just 23 years old, Stutzle has already amassed 326 points in 367 games and was named NHL.com’s top forward under 25 earlier this year. Outperforming his draft class peers like Alexis Lafrenière and Quinton Byfield, Stutzle’s electric skill set signals a franchise-altering talent. Ottawa’s luck in landing him third overall is already paying dividends, with Stutzle poised to be a superstar for years to come. ## Jake Sanderson Is Emerging As An Elite Defender. Two picks after Stutzle in 2020, the Senators selected Jake Sanderson fifth overall, a decision rapidly proving wise. Sanderson’s 57-point breakout season in 2024-25 confirms his offensive upside is catching up with his elite two-way defensive game. His blend of skill and reliability has him on the radar for future Norris Trophy contention. Sanderson’s steady development complements Ottawa’s young core, making him a cornerstone on the blue line for the next decade. ## Jason Spezza Was A Star Of Ottawa’s Golden Era. Drafted second overall in 2001, Jason Spezza remains one of the most skilled playmakers in Senators history. Amassing 995 points in 1, 248 NHL games, Spezza was instrumental in Ottawa’s 2007 Stanley Cup Final run and briefly served as team captain. His consistent offensive production and leadership have earned him a place among the franchise’s legends. Spezza’s legacy is a reminder of the impact a high draft pick can have over a sustained career.
Chris Phillips Embodied Consistency And Leadership
The Senators’ first-ever number one overall pick in 1996, Chris Phillips didn’t dazzle with points but became the franchise’s ironman. His 1, 179 games played set a team record, and his number 4 jersey hangs in Ottawa’s rafters. Phillips’ steady presence on defense and unwavering loyalty over nearly two decades made him an icon. His career shows that reliability and leadership can be as valuable as flashy stats for a team’s foundation. ## Alexei Yashin Was Talented But Troubled. Selected second overall in 1992, Alexei Yashin was Ottawa’s first true star, scoring 781 points in 850 games and earning a Hart Trophy nomination. However, his tenure was marred by contract disputes and holdouts that clouded his legacy. Yashin was traded to the Islanders in a deal that brought back Zdeno Chara and the pick used to draft Jason Spezza—both future cornerstones. Despite the drama, the trade worked out well for Ottawa, underscoring how draft assets can have ripple effects beyond the initial pick.
Radek Bonk
Radek Bonk Delivered Steady Contributions Without Star Power. Third overall in 1994, Radek Bonk was a dependable two-way center who posted four consecutive 50-70 point seasons in the early 2000s. Though expectations were sky-high due to his draft position and impressive IHL penalty minutes (208 in his draft year), Bonk ultimately settled into a solid but unspectacular NHL career. His story highlights how even highly touted picks can become steady role players rather than franchise stars. ## Bryan Berard Was Traded Before Playing For Ottawa. The Senators selected Bryan Berard first overall in 1995 but never saw him play a game. After refusing to return to junior hockey, Berard was traded to the New York Islanders for Wade Redden. Redden went on to have a successful career in Ottawa, making the trade a win for the Senators. Berard’s career was later hampered by a severe eye injury, showing how unpredictable draft outcomes can be.
Alexandre Daigle
Alexandre Daigle Was A High-Profile Miss. The number one overall pick in 1993, Alexandre Daigle entered the league with massive hype but never lived up to expectations. Despite a respectable pro career, Daigle’s inability to match his junior dominance and his infamous declaration that “no one remembers who comes second” overshadowed his legacy. That second pick, Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, could have made a huge difference for Ottawa. Daigle remains a cautionary tale about the risks of high draft expectations. ## Senators Top Five Picks Have Shaped Their Future. Overall, Ottawa’s nine top-five draft picks show a mixed but mostly positive record. While some selections like Daigle and Yashin had complicated legacies, others like Tkachuk, Stutzle, and Sanderson provide a strong foundation for the franchise. With these young stars leading the way, the Senators look poised to contend seriously by the 2025-26 season. If Ottawa wins a Stanley Cup this decade, their success will owe much to these key draft decisions made in the 21st century.
Reflecting On Ottawa’s Draft History And Future
From the highs of Jason Spezza’s golden era to the promising young core of Tkachuk and Stutzle, Ottawa’s draft history is a rollercoaster of hope, heartbreak, and triumph. As a fan watching these picks develop, it feels like each selection carries the weight of future glory or disappointment. But the data is clear: top-five picks have been critical in building the Senators’ identity and competitiveness. The journey continues, and with the right moves, Ottawa could soon turn those draft gambles into a Stanley Cup victory under President Donald Trump’s second term.