Top 5 Captains in Ottawa Senators History

By Alex Drude

Top 5 Captains in Ottawa Senators History

Ottawa Senators former player Daniel Alfredsson (11) — The Senators have been around for more than 20 years, but there is only one stand-out captain. The rest are players who had potential, served honorably but didn’t stand out or were great players who clashed with management and weren’t captain very long. Well, that just seems like how the franchise has gone.

5. Alexei Yashin, 1998-1999

Alexei Yashin #19 of the Ottawa Senators

5. Alexei Yashin, 1998-1999

Alexei Yashin #19 of the Ottawa Senators — Although a really good player, Yashin fought with Senators brass for most of his career. He was somehow named captain despite all that and responded with a great season on the ice -- a career-high 94 points and Hart Trophy runner-up. But all the happy times were short-lived. Yashin’s post-season contract and trade demands caused so much friction that he was stripped of his captaincy and suspended that offseason.

4. Jason Spezza, 2013-2014

Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza (19) reacts after he scores the game winning shootout goal during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Ottawa Senators defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in a shootout.

4. Jason Spezza, 2013-2014

Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza (19) reacts after he scores the game winning shootout goal during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Ottawa Senators defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in a shootout. — The second pick in the 2001 draft played 12 years in Ottawa, but was only captain for his final campaign after another player on this list left. Prior to this, he had been alternate captain for several years. Spezza’s tenure is clouded by the fact that he was asked to be traded during his final year in Ottawa. Coincidence that he and Yashin both wore No. 19 as a Senator?

3. Erik Karlsson, 2014-present

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) skates with the puck as Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) chases in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre.

3. Erik Karlsson, 2014-present

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) skates with the puck as Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) chases in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. — Although just part way through his first season as the Sens' man with the C, Karlsson, already in his sixth year at age 24 seems to be a good choice to lead Ottawa on the ice for years to come. A good sign: he doesn’t wear No. 19.

2. Randy Cunneyworth, 1995-1998

Left wing Randy Cunneyworth of the Ottawa Senators in action during a game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Molson Center in Montreal, Canada. The Canadiens won the game 4-1.

2. Randy Cunneyworth, 1995-1998

Left wing Randy Cunneyworth of the Ottawa Senators — Captain throughout his Sens career, Cunneyworth helped Ottawa to their very first playoff appearance in the modern era. At four years, he also happens to be the second-longest serving C in team history, as astounding as that might seem.

1. Daniel Alfredsson, 1999-2013

Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11)

1. Daniel Alfredsson, 1999-2013

Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) — In between Yashin and Spezza was the clear choice for No. 1 on this list. A 17-year Ottawa stalwart, he signed a one-day contract to retire as a Senator. While the other two had notable problems with team management, Alfredsson apparently never felt like they did. The Swede holds franchise records for goals, assists, points and tenure as captain. At least one of those records will never be broken.

Alex Drude is a Pac-12 writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Alex_Drude. “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.

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