As the offseason continues to unfold and free agents find new homes, hockey fans across the world eagerly anticipate the start of the new season. Here at Last Word on Hockey, we have been delving into various rankings and analyses to pass the time during the summer months. From the best players by number for different teams to the top Canadians by position, our writers have been hard at work.
In honor of the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, we turn our attention to the Ottawa Senators and their all-time starting lineups based on nationality. The Senators have had a history of great players from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with notable achievements in international competitions. So, let’s take a closer look at the best Czech and Slovak players to have donned the Senators’ jersey.
Marian Hossa, a standout forward, spent the first seven seasons of his 19-year NHL career in Ottawa. Known for his scoring prowess, Hossa notched 29 or more goals in five consecutive seasons with the Senators, including a career-high 45 in 2002-03. He played a key role in the Sens’ playoff runs, tallying 34 points in 51 postseason games. Hossa’s impact on the franchise earns him a spot on our combined Czech and Slovak lineup.
Moving on to the Czech representatives, Radek Bonk was a top draft pick for the Senators in 1994 and played a decade in Ottawa. He amassed 399 points over 689 games and was a consistent performer in the postseason, contributing 21 points in 30 playoff games in 2002 and 2003. Bonk’s leadership and scoring ability made him a key player for the Senators during his tenure.
Lastly, we come to Martin Havlat, another Czech native who made a mark on the Senators. Havlat showcased his speed and skill during his five seasons in Ottawa, recording 105 goals and 130 assists for 235 points in 298 games. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Havlat was a reliable point-producer for the Senators, exemplified by his 31-goal season in 2003-04 at just 22 years old.
In conclusion, the Ottawa Senators have been fortunate to have some exceptional talents from the Czech Republic and Slovakia grace their roster over the years. These players have left a lasting impact on the franchise and will always be remembered as some of the best to wear the Senators’ colors. The legacy of Czech and Slovak players in Ottawa is one of skill, dedication, and success on the ice.
