It’s been a long time, but the Ottawa Senators have finally booked their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs once again. It’ll be their first appearance since 2017, when they suffered a heartbreaking double overtime loss in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In that time, there has been no shortage of turmoil within the organization. In fact, so much has happened that it’s hard to remember it all. While it was a torturous experience for the fanbase without a doubt, one could say it makes returning to the big dance all the sweeter. With that said, let’s look back on some of the major stories from that time, as well as how the Senators got to where they are today. The Antics of Eugene Melnyk The late owner of the Senators, Eugene Melnyk, was not a popular figure among the fanbase at this time for a number of reasons. One of these reasons arose on the eve of the NHL 100 Classic when he spoke to the media and alluded to a potential franchise relocation, stating that he could be forced to move the team if attendance numbers did not improve. He also remarked that he was not convinced a new downtown arena would be necessary, and suggested potentially cutting player salaries. A billboard calling for Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk to sell the team is seen in Ottawa on Monday, March 19, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang In response to these statements, in March 2018, a group of fans started a GoFundMe campaign to erect billboards around the city bearing the message #MelnykOut, conveying their disapproval for the way the team was run at the top. The Many Departures From the Organization More controversy surfaced later that year. That May, former captain and franchise legend Daniel Alfredsson left his role as senior advisor of the organization after commenting that he’d hoped it would be sold to a new owner to ensure a better future for the franchise. Additionally, Mike Hoffman, a key piece of the Senators’ 2017 run, was traded away a week after reports that Melinda Karlsson, wife of then-Sens captain Erik Karlsson had filed an order of protection against Hoffman’s girlfriend, Monica Caryk. This pertained to Karlsson alleging that Caryk posted hundreds of derogatory online messages directed at her and her husband. With the team appearing to enter rebuild mode and unwilling to offer Karlsson a long-term deal, he too was dealt to the San Jose Sharks ahead of the 2018-19 season, but the turbulent year was not yet finished. Things Go From Bad to Worse In November, several players, including Matt Duchene, Thomas Chabot, Chris Tierney and Chris Wideman were caught on camera mocking members of the Senators’ coaching staff and ridiculing the state of the team while riding in an Uber during a road trip. This was obviously not the ideal time for a story of this nature to arise considering the organization was looking to turn the page and look towards a hopeful future. But things didn’t stop there either. Matt Duchene #95, Ottawa Senators – February 3, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers) Mark Stone was another casualty, traded to the Vegas Golden Knights because the team was unwilling to give him a no-move clause. Then there was Matt Murray, whom the team looked to as a new pillar between the pipes, but he didn’t work out due to injury and personal circumstances. There were also consistently poor starts to seasons that the team could not overcome. Related: The Senators Will Win the Series Against the Maple Leafs If… There was also the Evgenii Dadanov situation, where the Senators lost a first-round pick for failing to disclose his no-trade clause to the league and Shane Pinto getting suspended 41 games for allowing a friend to use his personal gambling app. It was just one embarrassing blow after another for a fanbase and organization desperate to get back to the playoffs. However, things began to turn for the better. Fortunes Finally Head in the Right Direction Michael Andlauer bought the team in June 2023 and promised to spend more money on the team and search for a new arena. Shortly thereafter, he hired Steve Staios to be general manager and longtime executive and former player Dave Poulin to join the front office. Michael Andlauer (The Hockey Writers) Then came the hiring of Travis Green as coach in May 2024, whose role was to preach defensive accountability. To round out the roster, Staios went out this past offseason and acquired Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark while also seeking veteran presence to support their young stars. Names like David Perron, Michael Amadio and Nick Cousins were brought into the fold. Related: 3 Dark Horse Teams Heading Into The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs After yet another poor start to the season, it seemed as if the Senators were staring down the barrel of a ninth consecutive year out of the playoff picture. But with the help of Ullmark in goal and buy-in from the team with its improved defensive play, the Senators put themselves in a position to be buyers at the trade deadline. There they made a blockbuster trade, acquiring Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres, who has excelled in the new change of scenery, and adding Fabian Zetterlund at the last minute. Since that point, they’ve never looked back and eventually clinched their first playoff berth in eight years. Hope For the Future With a young core of Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Thomas Chabot, Jake Sanderson and many others making their playoff debuts, against their provincial rival Toronto Maple Leafs, no less, it’s certain they’ll be fired up and ready to go. It’s been a long time coming for Senators fans, and no matter how the first round unfolds, the team will be better off for finally gaining some experience and hope for the future, signaling that this is just the beginning.