Ottawa Senators best Canadian NHL team right now—here’s why

Something special is brewing in Canada’s capital. While most Canadian NHL franchises stumble through the 2025-26 season with injuries, inconsistent play, and mounting frustration, the Ottawa Senators have quietly positioned themselves as the country’s most complete hockey team. With a 10-6-4 record that has them sitting third in the Atlantic Division and looking like a legitimate playoff threat, the Senators are proving that patience, smart development, and a commitment to structure can pay dividends in today’s NHL.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. After snapping an eight-year playoff drought last season, Ottawa isn’t content with just making up the numbers. This team wants to establish itself as a perennial contender, and the early returns suggest they’re ahead of schedule on that journey.

How the Senators climbed to the top of Canada’s NHL landscape

The transformation didn’t happen overnight. Just weeks ago, the Senators looked like a middle-of-the-pack team searching for consistency. But a pivotal road trip through California changed everything. Historically, those West Coast swings have been death traps for Ottawa—games where focus slipped and points disappeared like sand through their fingers. This year, they handled business with the professionalism of a veteran contender, collecting wins against Anaheim and San Jose in buildings where they’ve traditionally struggled.

As veteran hockey insider Elliotte Friedman noted, this wasn’t luck—it was a cultural shift. When asked directly if the Senators might be Canada’s best team, Friedman didn’t hesitate: yes, maybe they are. This represents a dramatic departure from the usual hedged responses we hear about rising teams. Friedman’s conviction stems from what he observed: a team winning without its stars, showing depth, and demonstrating the kind of maturity that separates playoff pretenders from legitimate threats.

The Senators are currently one of only two Canadian teams holding down a playoff spot, sitting at 61.2% playoff probability according to MoneyPuck analytics. Compare that to the Winnipeg Jets (85.8%) and the dire situations facing the Oilers (22.3%), Maple Leafs (10.5%), and Flames (5.9%), and you begin to understand just how impressive Ottawa’s start has been.

Dominating the California swing: A cultural shift

California road trips have historically exposed the Senators’ immaturity. In years past, even when facing weaker opponents in Anaheim and San Jose, Ottawa found ways to lose focus and play down to their competition. The infamous image of golf clubs accompanying players on the plane wasn’t just a joke—it was a metaphor for a team that struggled with professionalism on the road.

This season told a different story. The Senators walked into those buildings with purpose, executed their game plan, and left with four critical points. They didn’t just win; they imposed their style of play. The team that once folded in “trap” games now wins them convincingly. This shift speaks to head coach Travis Green’s growing influence and a roster that’s finally internalizing what it takes to win consistently in the NHL.

The numbers behind Ottawa’s success

The statistics back up what the eye test reveals. Ottawa has recommitted to Green’s defensive structure after a shaky start, and the results are dramatic. The Senators rank among the league’s best in shots against per game, a testament to their improved team defense and commitment to limiting high-danger chances. Their goals-against average has trended downward since late October, coinciding with their rise up the standings.

Offensively, the production has been balanced and consistent. Drake Batherson leads the charge with 19 points in just 17 games, while Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto have provided secondary scoring that keeps opponents guessing. The power play remains a work in progress, but the five-on-five play has been strong enough to compensate.

By comparison: How other Canadian teams are struggling

The contrast with other Canadian franchises couldn’t be starker. The Toronto Maple Leafs, despite offensive firepower, sit near the bottom of the Atlantic Division with serious defensive issues. The Edmonton Oilers, fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, are in genuine danger of missing the playoffs entirely. Montreal has regressed after last year’s surprise run, while Vancouver and Calgary are already looking ahead to the draft lottery.

Only Winnipeg can match Ottawa’s success, but even the Jets are experiencing a slight regression from their Presidents’ Trophy campaign last season. The Senators, meanwhile, are building momentum, not losing it.

The core driving Ottawa’s success

What makes Ottawa’s rise particularly impressive is that they’re doing it while navigating significant injuries. Captain Brady Tkachuk has been sidelined since early in the season, yet the Senators haven’t missed a beat. Top defenseman Thomas Chabot’s recent absence could have derailed their progress, but instead, it’s revealed the organization’s depth.

Offensive firepower: Batherson and Stutzle leading the charge

The offensive engine runs through Drake Batherson and Tim Stutzle. Batherson’s 19 points in 17 games puts him among the league’s most productive forwards, while Stutzle’s return to the lineup this week adds another elite playmaking threat. The duo’s chemistry, developed over several seasons together, creates matchup nightmares for opposing coaches.

Shane Pinto’s emergence as a reliable two-way center has given Ottawa the kind of depth down the middle that contenders require. His faceoff prowess and defensive awareness allow Green to deploy his top lines in offensive situations while trusting Pinto to handle tough defensive assignments. For a deeper dive into how this offensive surge is changing Ottawa’s identity, check out this analysis of the Senators’ scoring explosion.

Defensive stability: Jake Sanderson’s emergence

While the forwards grab headlines, Jake Sanderson’s development into a legitimate top-pairing defenseman might be Ottawa’s most important story. The 22-year-old blueliner plays over 23 minutes per night against opponents’ best players and consistently comes out ahead. His skating ability allows him to close gaps quickly, while his hockey IQ helps him make the right play under pressure.

Sanderson’s emergence has been particularly impactful given Chabot’s injury struggles. Where the Senators might have crumbled in past seasons, they now have a young defenseman capable of anchoring the back end. His ability to contribute offensively—joining rushes, creating from the blue line—makes him the modern prototype for NHL defensemen.

Role players stepping up when it matters

Great teams aren’t just built on stars; they’re built on players who understand and embrace their roles. The Senators are getting contributions throughout their lineup, from veteran grinder Claude Giroux providing mentorship and timely offense to young players like Ridly Greig bringing energy and physicality before his recent injury.

This depth has been crucial during the injury crisis. When Tkachuk went down, the team didn’t scramble to replace his production from one player—they spread the responsibility across the roster. It’s the kind of “next man up” mentality that defines successful organizations.

Why analysts are buying in: Elliotte Friedman’s take

When someone with Elliotte Friedman’s credibility goes on record calling the Senators Canada’s best team, people listen. His analysis focused on three critical points that reveal why Ottawa’s success appears sustainable.

First, the California trip wasn’t fortunate scheduling—it was professional execution. Good teams don’t just beat good opponents; they beat the teams they’re supposed to beat, especially on the road. The Senators did exactly that, turning historically difficult games into business-like wins.

Second, Ottawa is winning despite missing key personnel. Tim Stutzle’s absence didn’t stall the offense. Thomas Chabot’s injury didn’t collapse the defense. Brady Tkachuk’s absence hasn’t killed the team’s spirit. This resilience indicates real depth and a system that works regardless of who’s in the lineup.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, the Senators are no longer a team that beats itself. For years, Ottawa found creative ways to lose winnable games—penalty trouble, defensive breakdowns, goaltending lapses. This version plays with discipline and intelligence, limiting mistakes and capitalizing on opponent errors.

Concerns that could derail the momentum

Despite the optimism, significant questions remain. No team is perfect at the quarter mark, and the Senators have vulnerabilities that could be exposed over a grueling 82-game season.

Goaltending questions with Ullmark

The biggest red flag hangs over the crease. Linus Ullmark, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, has been alarmingly inconsistent. In 10 of his first 16 starts, he’s surrendered three or more goals—a save percentage that forces the offense to win shootouts night after night. His 3.12 goals-against average and .898 save percentage are well below the elite standard he set last season.

Backup Leevi Merilainen has shown flashes, but asking a 22-year-old with minimal NHL experience to carry a playoff push is risky. Ottawa’s improved defensive structure has helped mask some goaltending issues, but as the saying goes, your goaltender needs to be your best penalty killer. Right now, Ottawa’s netminding is their biggest question mark.

The goaltending situation creates a fascinating dilemma for general manager Steve Staios. Does he ride it out and hope Ullmark finds his form? Does he search the trade market for insurance? The answer might determine whether this promising season ends in playoff glory or heartbreaking disappointment. For a comprehensive breakdown of these concerns at the quarter mark, see this detailed Senators analysis.

Injury issues: Chabot and Tkachuk absences

Injuries are already testing Ottawa’s depth. Thomas Chabot’s lower-body injury, potentially a reinjury of a previous issue, leaves a massive hole on the blue line. Chabot plays 25 minutes per night in all situations, and while Sanderson has excelled in his absence, the minutes and responsibilities add up over time.

Brady Tkachuk’s absence is equally concerning. The captain isn’t just the team’s emotional leader; he’s their most physical forward and a key presence in front of the net on the power play. His 50-goal potential and unique blend of skill and sandpaper are irreplaceable. The team has managed without him, but his return timeline remains uncertain.

The injury crisis extends to depth forward Ridly Greig, whose energy and physicality provided a spark in the bottom six. The Senators have weathered the storm so far, but their medical room is getting crowded at the worst possible time.

What the future holds for Canada’s top team

The Senators find themselves at a crossroads. On one hand, they’ve established themselves as legitimate playoff contenders with wins that count in the standings and respect from the league’s most credible analysts. Their defensive structure, offensive depth, and cultural growth suggest this isn’t a fleeting hot streak but sustainable improvement.

On the other hand, the goaltending situation looms like a dark cloud. Ullmark’s struggles aren’t just statistical noise—they’re costing the team points and forcing everyone else to be perfect. If the crease instability continues, even the most well-structured team will crack under the pressure.

The next 20 games will define Ottawa’s season. They’ll face Atlantic Division rivals in crucial four-point matchups. They’ll navigate a dense schedule while managing injuries. And they’ll need their franchise goaltender to rediscover his form. If they emerge from this stretch still holding a playoff position, the Senators will have answered their most significant questions.

For Canadian hockey fans starving for a team to believe in, the Senators offer hope. While the traditional powers in Toronto, Edmonton, and Montreal flounder, Ottawa is building something real. They’re not just Canada’s best team right now—they’re a blueprint for how small-market franchises can compete through smart drafting, player development, and coaching stability.

The playoff drought is over. Now comes the hard part: proving they belong among the NHL’s elite. Based on what we’ve seen through the season’s first quarter, the Senators are ready for that challenge.