Ottawa Senators and the NHL Draft
In 2021, the Ottawa Senators found themselves in a familiar position during the NHL Draft—holding multiple first-round selections, a scenario reminiscent of their rebuild in 2011. This marked the 15th anniversary of when the Senators strategically acquired three first-round draft picks, a pivotal moment that would shape the future of the franchise.
Historical Context
Historical context reveals the team’s journey; back then, Ottawa was navigating through a period of substantial change under the leadership of general manager Bryan Murray and newly appointed head coach Paul MacLean.
According to The Hockey News from June 2011, the Senators faced a stark contrast to their near Stanley Cup appearance just four years prior. The narrative then was clear: Ottawa had hit rock bottom and needed to rebuild its roster by cultivating young talent and making judicious use of a plethora of draft picks.
With 12 picks available in the 2011 draft, including an opportunity to secure players in the first two rounds, the franchise was positioned for a fresh start. The franchise’s core, including face-of-the-franchise Daniel Alfredsson, was aging, and the team urgently needed to inject high-caliber forwards into its lineup as it attempted to bounce back from a dismal offensive performance that saw it finish 29th in league scoring.
2011 Draft Selections
At the time, expectations were high. The Senators selected Mika Zibanejad as their first pick overall at sixth, followed by Stefan Noesen and Matt Puempel at 21st and 24th, respectively. While Zibanejad later proved to be a reliable player in Ottawa, his potential fully blossomed only after a trade to the New York Rangers, where he has since become a pivotal contributor and celebrated player.
His choice, while initially promising, has often been viewed through the lens of hindsight as the organization’s willingness to move on from him may have been premature, especially considering the continued rise of players like Mark Scheifele, who was picked right after him.
The Senators’ second pick, Noesen, was seen as a reach according to pre-draft rankings, and though he had a difficult entry into the NHL, his subsequent seasons with the New Jersey Devils have seen him achieve modest success. Regrettably, injury setbacks have hindered his recent performance, casting a shadow on his previously promising trajectory.
Meanwhile, Puempel struggled to replicate his junior scoring prowess in the NHL, eventually leading to his departure to the New York Rangers where he performed admirably in a few games—but ultimately retired after an overseas stint.
Reflection and Future Prospects
Reflecting back, the 2011 draft remains a significant chapter in the Senators’ history. The organization faced immense expectations, but the outcomes were mixed. Fast forward to 2020, the Senators emerged once again with three pivotal picks at the draft, securing Tim Stützle, Jake Sanderson, and Ridly Greig—a hopeful sign of progress for a team working hard to reclaim its status in league competitiveness.
This look back into Ottawa’s drafting strategies highlights both the volatility of rebuilding phases in sports and the importance of nurturing young talent effectively, as the Senators endeavor to find their foothold in the NHL once more.
