Ottawa Senators

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The narrative of the 2023–24 campaign began with a major shift in leadership as Michael Andlauer's group officially took over from Eugene Melnyk's estate in September. Executive changes brought back Cyril Leeder as CEO and Steve Staios as president of hockey operations, who later assumed the interim general manager role after Pierre Dorion's departure on November 1. On the ice, the team struggled to find consistency, highlighted by the suspension of Shane Pinto on October 26 for gambling activities, a move back-dated to the season start. The NHL clarified that while there was no evidence Pinto bet on his own games, the punishment required him to miss the first 41 contests. He could re-sign before the 42nd game to play the remainder of the season.

In Their Own Story

The turning point for the coaching staff arrived after a four-game losing streak left the Senators at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. On December 18, 2023, head coach D.J. Smith and assistant Davis Payne were fired, with former player Daniel Alfredsson joining as an assistant under interim head coach Jacques Martin. The roster saw further movement when goaltending coach Zac Bierk was reassigned to a scout role in January 2024, replaced by Justin Peters. Off the ice, the team faced controversy when the NHL announced on November 1 that Ottawa would forfeit a first-round pick in either 2024, 2025, or 2026 for failing to disclose Evgeni Dadonov's no-trade list during a trade with Vegas. The season concluded with a 4–3 loss to the New Jersey Devils on April 6 at game 76, confirming another year without playoff hockey.

Reader's Guide

Fans looking back at this season must note the specific disciplinary and administrative hurdles that defined the year. The suspension of Shane Pinto was a unique condition negotiated with the NHLPA, allowing for an immediate return to the lineup once he re-signed prior to game 42. The franchise also played two games in Stockholm on November 16 and 18 at the Avicii Arena as part of the NHL Global Series. Despite these efforts, the team finished 13 points behind the final wild card spot held by the Washington Capitals. Following the season's end, Travis Green was hired as the new head coach on May 7, succeeding the interim tenure that began in December.

Did You Know?

• Shane Pinto's suspension was back-dated to the start of the season, meaning he did not play any games in 2023–24 unless he re-signed before game 42.
• The Senators played two regular-season games in Stockholm, Sweden, at the Avicii Arena on November 16 and 17, 2023.
• Ottawa lost a first-round draft pick (in either 2024, 2025, or 2026) as punishment for failing to disclose Evgeni Dadonov's no-trade list to the Vegas Golden Knights.
• Steve Staios served as interim general manager before being named permanent GM in late December following Pierre Dorion's departure.
• Travis Green was announced as the new head coach on May 7, replacing interim coach Jacques Martin.