The Ottawa Senators have announced Thomas Chabot as the captain for the upcoming 2026-27 season, set to commence later this week. Chabot, who will be 30 years old in January, has been a part of the Ottawa team for 10 seasons. With 569 games played, he holds the team record and ranks 11th all-time. Additionally, his 335 points position him 13th in franchise history, placing third among defensemen.
Brady Tkachuk, the previous captain for five seasons, was traded to the Florida Panthers during the off-season after requesting a move. Ottawa’s first regular-season game is scheduled for Saturday in Toronto, with the home opener on Thursday, October 8.
The opening night roster was unveiled by Ottawa on Monday evening, which includes injured defenseman Artem Zub, and forwards Warren Foegele and Kurtis MacDermid. Hoyt Stanley, a 21-year-old defenseman with limited professional experience, made the team after playing college hockey for three years and only six games with the Belleville Senators.
Newcomers expected to make their Senators debuts are goaltender Samuel Ersson, along with forwards Andre Burakovsky and William Eklund. Ottawa aims to secure a playoff spot for the third consecutive season, a feat not achieved since the 2000s. The team’s last playoff round victory was in 2017.
