Editing Ottawa Senators (section)

==History==
{{main|History of the Ottawa Senators (since 1992)}}
[[File:Ott sens campaign.png|thumb|alt=Ottawa Senators text using decorative fonts |Pre-launch logo used in the "Bring Back the Senators" campaign]]
Ottawa had been home to the [[Ottawa Senators (original)|original Senators]], a founding NHL franchise and 11-time [[Stanley Cup]] champions. The original Senators' eventual financial losses forced the franchise to move to [[St. Louis]] in [[1934–35 NHL season|1934]] operating as the [[St. Louis Eagles|Eagles]] while a Senators [[Ottawa Senators (senior hockey)|senior amateur team]] took over the Senators' place in Ottawa.<ref name="join">{{Cite news|title=Ottawa Team Is Expected to Join Quebec Amateur Hockey Circuit |date=July 26, 1934 |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |pages=12}}</ref> The NHL team was unsuccessful in St. Louis and planned to return to Ottawa, but the NHL decided instead to suspend the franchise and transfer the players.<ref name=bought>{{Cite news|title=St Louis Out of Title Hunt: League Buys Franchise Splits Players Among Remaining Eight Clubs|newspaper=[[The Leader-Post]]|date=October 16, 1935|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=T3lTAAAAIBAJ&pg=1637,5205364&dq=st-louis-eagles+eighteen&hl=en|access-date=March 30, 2022|archive-date=March 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330132905/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=T3lTAAAAIBAJ&pg=1637,5205364&dq=st-louis-eagles+eighteen&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

Fifty-four years later, after the NHL announced plans to expand, Ottawa real estate developer [[Bruce Firestone]] decided along with colleagues [[Cyril Leeder]] and [[Randy Sexton]] that Ottawa was now able to support an NHL franchise, and the group proceeded to put a bid together. His firm, Terrace Investments, did not have the liquid assets to finance the expansion fee and the team, but the group conceived a strategy to leverage land development. In 1989, after finding a suitable site on farmland just west of Ottawa in [[Kanata, Ontario|Kanata]] on which to construct a new arena, Terrace announced its intention to win a franchise and launched a successful "Bring Back the Senators" campaign to both woo the public and persuade the NHL that the city could support an NHL franchise. Public support was high, and the group would secure over 11,000 season ticket pledges.{{sfn |Finnigan |1992 |pp=pp. 196–197}} On December 12, 1990, the NHL approved a new franchise for Firestone's group to start play in the [[1992–93 NHL season|1992–93 season]].{{sfn|Finnigan|1992|p=201}}

===Early years (1992–1996)===
The new team hired former NHL player [[Mel Bridgman]], who had no previous NHL management experience, as its first [[General manager#Sports teams|general manager]] in 1992.<ref>{{cite news |work=Ottawa Citizen |title=HOCKEY: Bridgman at the helm; Senators plot NHL course with rookie general manager |last=Mayoh |first=Rick |date=August 31, 1991 |page=G1}}</ref> Ottawa signed former Boston head coach [[Rick Bowness]]. The new Senators were placed in the Adams Division of the Wales Conference and played their first game on October 8, 1992, in the [[Ottawa Civic Centre]] against the [[Montreal Canadiens]] with much pre-game spectacle.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |date=October 9, 1992|first=Wayne |last=Scanlan|pages=A1|title=Maybe Rome was built in a day; Senators in stunning 5–3 debut victory over Habs; 10,449 fans went wild and it was magical}}</ref> The Senators defeated the Canadiens 5–3 in one of the few highlights that season. Following the initial excitement of the opening night victory, the club floundered badly. Eventually, it tied the [[San Jose Sharks]] for the worst record in the league, winning only 10 games with 70 losses and four ties for 24 points, three points better than the NHL record for futility.<ref>{{cite web |website=nhl.com |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seven-team-records-likely-to-stand-test-of-time/c-641433 |title=Seven team records likely to stand test of time |first=John |last=Kreiser |date=September 14, 2012 |accessdate=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330130800/https://www.nhl.com/news/seven-team-records-likely-to-stand-test-of-time/c-641433 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Senators had aimed low and considered the 1992–93 season a small success, as Firestone had set a goal for the season of not setting a new NHL record for fewest points in a season.<ref name="MacGregor1993book">MacGregor 1993, p.250</ref> The long-term plan was to finish low in the standings for its first few years to secure high draft picks and eventually contend for the Stanley Cup.<ref name="MacGregor1993book"/>

[[File:Senators civic centre.jpg|alt=men on skates playing ice hockey in an arena |thumb|The Senators played their home games at the [[Ottawa Civic Centre]] from 1992 to 1996.]]
Terrace needed a partner to make the final franchise payment to the NHL. Firestone sold 50% of Terrace to [[Rod Bryden]], a technology executive and entrepreneur. A limited partnership was set up to own the hockey team and a new company, Palladium Corp., which was charged with building the new arena. The partnership included local high-tech executives and singer [[Paul Anka]], who was born in Ottawa.<ref>{{cite news |title=OTTAWA SENATORS; Names behind money revealed |last=May |first=Kathryn |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=February 27, 1992 |page=B1}}</ref> Bryden would become the sole owner of Terrace and majority owner of the Senators in August 1993, buying out Firestone.<ref name="MacGregor1993-cit">{{cite news |title=Exit the Dreamer; Why the Ottawa Senators' disillusioned founder sold out |last=MacGregor |first=Roy |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=August 18, 1993 |page=A1}}</ref>

Bridgman was fired after one season and team president Randy Sexton took over the general manager duties. The strategy of aiming low and securing a high draft position did not change. The Senators finished last overall for the next three seasons. For the 1993–94 season, the team now played in the Eastern Conference's Northeast Division. Although 1993 first overall draft choice [[Alexandre Daigle]] wound up being one of the greatest draft busts in NHL history, they chose [[Radek Bonk]] in 1994, [[Bryan Berard]] (traded for [[Wade Redden]]) in 1995, [[Chris Phillips]] in 1996 and [[Marián Hossa|Marian Hossa]] in 1997, all of whom would become solid NHL players and formed a strong core of players in years to come. [[Alexei Yashin]], the team's first-ever draft selection from 1992, emerged as one of the NHL's brightest young stars. The team traded many of their better veteran players of the era, including 1992–93 leading scorer [[Norm Maciver]] and fan favourites [[Mike Peluso (ice hockey, born 1965)|Mike Peluso]] and [[Bob Kudelski]] in an effort to stockpile prospects and draft picks.<ref>{{cite news |last=Duhatschek |first=Eric |work=The Globe and Mail |location=Toronto |date=March 9, 2001 |title=Rent-a-player moves don't guarantee success}}</ref><ref name="casey-1">{{cite news |title=A decade of comings and goings: (Part 1): A guide to Senators, past and present, and what they're doing today: with files from Ken Warren |first=Tom |last=Casey |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |location=Ottawa, Ont. |date=October 4, 2001 |page=E3}}</ref><ref name="casey-2">{{cite news |title=A decade of comings and goings: (Part 2) |first=Tom |last=Casey |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |location=Ottawa, Ont. |date=October 4, 2001 |page=E3}}</ref>

As the [[1995–96 NHL season|1995–96 season]] began, star centre Alexei Yashin refused to honour his contract and did not play. In December, after three straight last-place finishes and a team which was ridiculed throughout the league, fans began to grow restless waiting for the team's long-term plan to yield results, and arena attendance began to decline. Rick Bowness was fired in late 1995 and was replaced by the [[Prince Edward Island Senators]]' head coach [[Dave Allison]]. Allison would fare no better than his predecessor, and the team would stumble to a 2–22–3 record under him. Sexton himself was fired and replaced by [[Pierre Gauthier]], the former assistant general manager of the [[Anaheim Ducks|Mighty Ducks of Anaheim]] team.<ref>{{Cite news |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |title=Gauthier takes over Senators' helm | date=December 12, 1995 |first=Ken |last=Warren |pages=C2}}</ref> Before the end of January 1996, Gauthier had resolved the team's most pressing issues by settling star player Alexei Yashin's contract dispute, and hiring the highly regarded [[Jacques Martin (ice hockey)|Jacques Martin]] as head coach.<ref>{{Cite news|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen|first=Roy |last=MacGregor |title=Promise and pain at the Palladium: Finally, Senators find the spark; Fans love new coach and his new ways |date=January 25, 1996|pages=A1}}</ref> While Ottawa finished last-overall once again, the season ended with renewed optimism, due in part to the upgraded management and coaching, and also to the emergence of an unheralded rookie from Sweden named [[Daniel Alfredsson]], who would win the [[Calder Memorial Trophy]] as NHL Rookie of the Year in 1996.{{sfn|Garrioch|1998|p=227}}

===Jacques Martin era (1996–2004)===
[[File:Zdeno Chara.jpg|thumb|upright|left|alt=tall man in hockey outfit playing hockey on ice |During the [[2001 NHL entry draft]], the Senators acquired [[Zdeno Chára|Zdeno Chara]] in a multi-player trade with the [[New York Islanders]].]]
Martin would impose a "strong defence first" philosophy that led to the team qualifying for the playoffs every season that he coached, but he was criticized for the team's lack of success in the playoffs, notably losing four straight series against their provincial rival, the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]].<ref>{{Cite news |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |title=Criticism stings Martin: Senators' coach defends club's playing style, coaching approach |date=April 27, 2000 |pages=F1 |last=Panzeri |first=Allen}}</ref>

In [[1996–97 NHL season|1996–97]], his first season, the club qualified for the playoffs in the last game of the season and nearly defeated the [[Buffalo Sabres]] in the first round. In [[1997–98 NHL season|1997–98]], the club finished with their first winning record and upset the heavily favoured [[New Jersey Devils]] to win their first playoff series. However, they were ousted in the second round by the [[Washington Capitals]].{{Sfn|Garrioch|1998|p=227}} In [[1998–99 NHL season|1998–99]], the Senators jumped from fourteenth overall in the previous season to third, with 103 points—the first 100-point season in club history, only to be swept in the first round by the Sabres. In [[1999–2000 NHL season|1999–2000]], despite the holdout of team captain Alexei Yashin, Martin guided the team to the playoffs, only to lose to the Maple Leafs in the first [[Battle of Ontario]] series.<ref>{{Cite news |newspaper=National Post |last=Feschuk |first=Scott |title=Battle of Ontario is a lame name, no butts about it |date=April 13, 2000|pages=B16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator |title=Between Leafs and Dogs, fans savour hockey feast |pages=A14 |date=April 26, 2000}}</ref> Yashin returned for [[2000–01 NHL season|2000–01]] and the team improved to win their division and place second in the Eastern Conference. Yashin played poorly in another first-round playoff loss<ref name="shoalts-sweep">{{Cite news |title=Toronto sweeps theories |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |pages=B1 |last=Shoalts |first=David |date=April 19, 2001}}</ref> and on the day of the [[2001 NHL entry draft]], he was traded to the [[New York Islanders]] in exchange for [[Zdeno Chára|Zdeno Chara]], [[Bill Muckalt]] and the second overall selection in the draft, which Ottawa used to select centre [[Jason Spezza]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sens dump headache, get scorer|newspaper=Sudbury Star |pages=B1 |date=June 24, 2001}}</ref>

The [[2001–02 Ottawa Senators season|2001–02 Senators]] regular season points total dropped, but in the playoffs, they upset the [[Philadelphia Flyers]] for the franchise's second playoff series win. The Sens would go on to push their second-round series to seven games, but they were ultimately once again defeated by the Maple Leafs. Despite speculation that Martin would be fired, it was general manager Marshall Johnston who left, retiring from the team.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Senators keep coach, but GM is leaving: Johnston opts to go |newspaper=National Post |date=May 18, 2002 |pages=S2 |last=Warren |first=Ken}}</ref> He was replaced by [[John Muckler]], the Senators' first with previous management experience.<ref>{{Cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail |title=Mlakar makes Muckler GM, best man |pages=D2 |last=Naylor |first=David |date=June 13, 2002}}</ref>

Although the Senators were bankrupt, they continued to play in the [[2002–03 NHL season|2002–03 season]] after getting emergency financing.<ref name="whig">{{Cite news |title=Ottawa could lose Sens: NHL club files for bankruptcy protection, franchise may leave town |newspaper=Kingston Whig-Standard |date=January 10, 2003 |page=17}}</ref> Despite the off-ice problems, Ottawa had an outstanding season, placing first overall in the NHL to win the [[Presidents' Trophy]]. In the playoffs, they came within one game of making it into the Stanley Cup Finals, losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion New Jersey Devils.<ref>{{Cite news |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |title=Senators edged by the better team |pages=F2 |last=Kyte |first=Jim |date=June 7, 2003}}</ref> In [[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04]], Martin would guide the team to another good regular season but again would lose in the first round of the playoffs to the Maple Leafs, leading to Martin's dismissal as management felt that a new coach was required for playoff success.<ref>{{Cite news |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |title=Creator and victim of high expectations |last=Scanlon |first=Wayne| date=April 23, 2004 |pages=A1}}</ref>

====Bankruptcy and sale to Eugene Melnyk====
In 2000, owner Bryden publicly appealed for tax relief from the Government of Canada for all Canadian NHL teams, coping with a significant drop in the Canadian dollar. His appeal was first met with a plan for tax relief, but the tax relief program was cancelled.<ref name="ct-sale">{{cite news |title=Sale will help keep Senators in Ottawa; Move won't result in cutting team's payroll, Rod Bryden says |newspaper=The Record |location=Kitchener, Ont. |date=January 9, 2002 |page=C1}}</ref> Bryden then announced the sale of the club outright to a limited partnership in 2002 for {{CAD|186}}&nbsp;million, which would include creditors and Bryden himself.<ref name="ct-sale"/> After its principal creditor Ogden Entertainment failed, the Senators entered bankruptcy protection in January 2003, owing {{CAD|160}}&nbsp;million for the club and {{CAD|210}}&nbsp;million for the arena.<ref>{{cite news |title=Creditors agree to conditional sale of Ottawa Senators to Rod Bryden |last=Erwin |first=Steve |work=Canadian Press NewsWire |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=February 23, 2003}}</ref> The deal fell through in 2003 when American investor [[Nelson Peltz]] declined to get involved.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rod Bryden's deal to repurchase the Ottawa: Senators falls through; team back on market|first=Shi |last=Davidi |newspaper=Whitehorse Star |location=Whitehorse, Y.T. |date=February 28, 2003 |page=49}}</ref>

In August 2003, pharmaceutical billionaire [[Eugene Melnyk]] purchased the club for a reported {{CAD|130}}&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite news |newspaper=The Gazette |location=Montreal, Que.|title=Billionaire Melnyk reaches deal to purchase Senators |date=April 28, 2003 |pages=C2}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Melnyk promises stable ownership: Purchase of Senators officially closed Tuesday |newspaper=Packet and Times |location=Orillia, Ont. |date=August 27, 2003 |page=B2}}</ref> Melnyk, principal shareholder of [[Biovail|Biovail Pharmaceuticals]], chose to finance half of the purchase price for the club and arena with debt. Share values of Biovail were depressed, and he did not want to sell them at the lower price.<ref>{{cite news |work=The Ottawa Citizen |first=James |last=Bagnall |title=Under Eugene Melnyk, Senators have lost $94 million |date=August 15, 2013 <!--|access-date=April 11, 2023-->}}</ref>

===Bryan Murray era (2004–2016)===
After the playoff loss, owner Melnyk promised that changes were coming, and they came quickly. In June 2004, Anaheim Ducks general manager [[Bryan Murray (ice hockey)|Bryan Murray]] of nearby [[Shawville, Quebec|Shawville]] became the head coach. That summer, the team also made substantial personnel changes, trading long-time players [[Patrick Lalime]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Lalime exits Senators: Senators ship goaltender to Blues for draft pick |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |pages=C1 |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |date=June 28, 2004}}</ref> and Radek Bonk,<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=June 27, 2004 |title=Senators go for more bucks and less Bonk; Trade to Habs opens door for Hasek |last=Campbell |first=Ken}}</ref> and signing free agent goaltender [[Dominik Hašek|Dominik Hasek]].<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=July 7, 2004 |title=A Capital Goaltender |pages=E04 |agency=The Canadian Press}}</ref> The team would not be able to show its new line-up for a year, as the [[2004–05 NHL lock-out]] intervened and most players played in Europe or in the minors. In a final change, just before the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]], the team traded long-time player Marian Hossa for [[Dany Heatley]].<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |title=Hossa-for-Heatley trade was best deal available |last=Rotenberg |first=David|date=September 12, 2005 |page=A13}}</ref>

[[File:Daniel Alfredsson.jpg|thumb|alt=man in white hockey equipment on ice skating with puck|[[Daniel Alfredsson]] played together with [[Jason Spezza]] and [[Dany Heatley]], forming the CASH [[line (ice hockey)|line]]. They led the Senators to their first Finals appearance.]]
The media predicted the Senators to be Stanley Cup contenders in 2005–06, as they had a strong core of players returning. They played an up-tempo style that fit the new rule changes, and Hasek was expected to provide top-notch goaltending.<ref>{{cite news |title=Printers of old missed: He could have run for mayor |newspaper=Vancouver Province |last=Willes |first=Ed |pages=A43 |date=October 3, 2003}}</ref> The team rushed out of the gate, winning 19 of the first 22 games, in the end winning 52 games and 113 points, placing first in the conference, and second overall. The newly formed 'CASH' line<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |date=November 17, 2005 |title=The Cash Line easily wins the vote|last=Citizen staff|pages=C1}}</ref> of Alfredsson, Spezza and newly acquired Dany Heatley established itself as one of the league's [[List of ice hockey line nicknames|top offensive lines]].<ref>{{cite journal | last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |journal=The Hockey News |date=October 30, 2007|title=Team Reports}}</ref> Hasek played well until he was injured during the [[2006 Winter Olympics]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hasek likely finished |newspaper=Leader Post |last=Scanlan |first=Wayne |date=February 16, 2006 |pages=C3}}</ref> forcing the team to enter the playoffs with rookie netminder [[Ray Emery]] as their starter.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/hockey/nhl/specials/playoffs/2006/04/21/predictions/?cnn=yes |title=SI.Com predictions |access-date=August 24, 2007 |publisher=CNN |date=April 21, 2006 |archive-date=June 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622073208/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/hockey/nhl/specials/playoffs/2006/04/21/predictions/?cnn=yes |url-status=dead}}</ref> Without Hasek, the club bowed out in a second-round loss to the Buffalo Sabres.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators fold in playoffs again; SABRES 3 SENATORS 2 Sabres WIN series 4-1 Ottawa just can't shake choker label |last=Campbell |first=Ken |newspaper=Toronto Star |location=Toronto, Ont |date=May 14, 2006 |page=B03}}</ref>

In [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07]], the Senators reached the [[2007 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup Finals]] after qualifying for the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons. The Senators had a high turn-over of personnel and the disappointment of 2006 to overcome and started the season poorly. Trade rumours swirled around Daniel Alfredsson for most of the last months of 2006. The team lifted itself out of last place in the division to nearly catch the Buffalo Sabres by season's end, placing fourth in the Eastern Conference. The team finished with 105 points, their fourth consecutive 100-point season and sixth in the last eight. In the playoffs, Ottawa continued its good play. Led by the 'CASH' line, goaltender Ray Emery, and the strong defence of Chris Phillips and [[Anton Volchenkov]], the club defeated the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]], the second-ranked New Jersey Devils and the top-ranked Sabres to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators off to Stanley Cup final |last=Naylor |first=David |work=The Globe and Mail (Online) |location=Toronto|date=May 19, 2007}}</ref>

The 2006–07 Senators thus became the first Ottawa team to be in a Stanley Cup Finals since [[1927 Stanley Cup Finals|1927]], and the city was swept up in the excitement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=209233&hubname=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017165001/http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=209233&hubname= |archive-date=October 17, 2007 |title=Ottawa Unites to embrace Senators |last=Wallace |first=Lisa |publisher=The Sports Network |date=May 29, 2007|access-date=November 2, 2007}}</ref> Businesses along all of the main streets posted large hand-drawn "Go Sens Go" signs, residents put up large displays in front of their homes or decorated their cars.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSKRA47816120070604?sp=true |title=Ottawa captivated by Stanley Cup finals return |last=Keating |first=Steve |work=Reuters |date=May 29, 2007 |access-date=November 2, 2007 |archive-date=October 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017175150/http://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSKRA47816120070604?sp=true |url-status=live}}</ref> A large Ottawa Senators flag was draped on the City Hall, along with a large video screen showing the games. A six-storey likeness of Daniel Alfredsson was hung on the Corel building.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/2007-05-27-4282159028_x.htm |title=Tale of two cities: Fired-up Ottawa, laid-back Anaheim |work=USA Today |last=Peters |first=Ken |date=May 29, 2007 |access-date=November 30, 2007}}</ref> Rallies were held outside of City Hall, car rallies of decorated cars paraded through town and a section of downtown, dubbed the "Sens Mile", was closed off to traffic during and after games for fans to congregate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=83fd382f-1a25-474c-843c-0628b5701406&k=42535 |title=Ottawa Senators fans paint the town red |first=Meagan |last=Fitzpatrick |publisher=CanWest News Service |date=May 24, 2007 |access-date=November 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017124206/http://canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=83fd382f-1a25-474c-843c-0628b5701406&k=42535 |archive-date=October 17, 2007}}</ref>

In the Stanley Cup Finals, the Senators faced the Anaheim Ducks, considered a favourite since the start of the season, a team the Senators had last played in 2006, and a team known for its strong defence. The Ducks won the first two games in Anaheim 3–2 and 1–0. Returning home, the Senators won game three 5–3 but lost game four 3–2. The Ducks won game five 6–2 in Anaheim to clinch the series and their first Stanley Cup championship. The Ducks had played outstanding defence, shutting down the 'CASH' line, forcing Murray to split up the line. The Ducks scored timely goals and Ducks' goaltender [[Jean-Sébastien Giguère|Jean-Sebastien Giguere]] out-played Emery.<ref name="cbc-finals">{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ducks-destroy-senators-to-win-stanley-cup-1.637260 |title=Ducks destroy Senators to win Stanley Cup |publisher=CBCSports.ca |access-date=May 25, 2018 |date=June 7, 2007 |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511075824/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ducks-destroy-senators-to-win-stanley-cup-1.637260 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the off-season after the Stanley Cup Finals, Bryan Murray's contract was expiring. At the same time, general manager (GM) John Muckler had one season remaining and was expected to retire. Murray, who had previously been a general manager for other NHL clubs, was expected to take over the general manager position, although no public timetable was given. Owner Melnyk decided to offer Muckler another position in the organization and give the general manager position to Murray. Muckler declined the offer and was relieved from his position.<ref name="muckler-murray">{{cite news |title=Murray in, Muckler out; Senators fire Muckler, promote head coach Murray to GM |last=Yzerman |first=Chris |newspaper=The Spectator |location=Hamilton, Ont. |date=June 19, 2007 |page=SP2}}</ref> Melnyk publicly justified the move, saying that he expected to lose Murray if his contract ran out.<ref name="muckler-murray"/> Murray then elevated [[John Paddock]], the assistant coach, to head coach of the Senators.<ref>{{cite news |title=Experience makes Paddock best pick |last=Scanlan |first=Wayne |newspaper=Leader Post |location=Regina, Sask. |date=July 7, 2007 |page=C4}}</ref> Under Paddock, the team came out to a record start to the [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08 season]]. However, team play declined to a .500 level, and the team was falling out of the playoffs. Paddock was fired by Murray, who took over coaching on an interim basis.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators fire Paddock after loss to Boston |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |newspaper=Star - Phoenix |location=Saskatoon, Sask. |date=February 28, 2008 |page=B3}}</ref> The club managed to qualify for the playoffs by a tie-breaker but was swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In June, the club bought out goaltender Ray Emery, who had become notorious for off-ice events in Ottawa and lateness to several team practices.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators buy out Emery |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |work=The Edmonton Sun |location=Edmonton, Alberta |date=June 21, 2008 |page=S.5}}</ref>

[[File:Martin Gerber.jpg|thumb|left|alt=man wearing black goaltender mask and hockey equipment |[[Martin Gerber]] was a goaltender for the Senators from 2006 to 2009.]]
For 2008–09, Murray hired [[Craig Hartsburg]] to coach the Senators. Under Hartsburg's style, the Senators struggled and played under .500. Uneven goaltending with [[Martin Gerber]] and [[Alex Auld]] meant the team played cautiously to protect the goaltender. Murray's patience ran out in February 2009, with the team well out of playoff contention, and Hartsburg was fired, although he had two years left on his contract, and the team also had Paddock under contract.<ref name="clouston-signing">{{cite news |title=Senators sign coach Clouston to new deal |newspaper=Calgary Herald |location=Calgary, Alta |date=April 9, 2009 |page=F.2}}</ref> [[Cory Clouston]] was elevated from the [[Binghamton Senators|Binghamton]] coaching position.<ref name="clouston-signing"/> The team played above .500 under Clouston and rookie goaltender [[Brian Elliott]], who had been promoted from Binghamton. Gerber was waived from the team at the trading deadline, and the team traded for goaltender [[Pascal Leclaire]], although he would not play due to injury. The team failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 12 seasons. Auld would be traded in the off-season to make room. Clouston's coaching had caused a rift with top player Dany Heatley (although unspecified "personal issues" were also noted by Heatley), and after Clouston was given a contract to continue coaching, Heatley made a trade demand and was traded to the San Jose Sharks just before the start of the 2009–10 season.<ref name="sun-sens-trade-history">{{cite news |title=A history of the Ottawa Senators big trades |website=The Ottawa Sun |publisher=Postmedia Network Inc. |date=September 13, 2018}}</ref>

In [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10]], the Senators were a .500 team until going on a team-record 11-game winning streak in January. The streak propelled the team to the top of the Northeast Division standings and a top-three placing for the playoffs. The team could not hold off the Sabres for the division lead but qualified for the playoffs in the fifth position. For the third season in four, the Senators played off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. A highlight for the Senators was winning a triple-overtime fifth game in Pittsburgh,<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators survive in 3OT ; NHL PLAYOFFS: Matt Carkner staves off elimination by scoring off a deflection to end the longest game in Ottawa's history |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The London Free Press |date=April 23, 2010 |page=D.1}}</ref> but the team could not win a playoff game on home ice, losing the series in six games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators' playoff drive crashes to a halt |newspaper=The Guelph Mercury |location=Guelph, Ont. |date=April 26, 2010 |page=B2}}</ref>

The Senators had a much poorer than expected [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11 campaign]], resulting in constant rumours of a shakeup right through until December. The rumours were heightened in January after the team went on a lengthy losing streak. January was a dismal month for the Senators, winning only one game. Media speculated on the imminent firing of Clouston, Murray or both. Owner Melynk cleared the air in an article in the January 22, 2011 edition of the ''[[Ottawa Sun]].'' Melnyk stated that he would not fire either Clouston or Murray but that he had given up on this season and was in the process of developing a plan for the future.<ref>{{cite news |work=Ottawa Sun |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |title=Sun exclusive: Melnyk breaks silence |url=http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/01/22/16997541.html |date=January 23, 2011 |access-date=March 8, 2011 |archive-date=January 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126000421/http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/01/22/16997541.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On Monday, January 24, ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' reported that the plan included hiring a new general manager before the June entry draft and that Murray would be retained as an advisor to the team. A decision on whether to retain Clouston would be made by the new general manager. The article by Roy MacGregor, a long-time reporter of the Ottawa Senators, stated that former assistant coach [[Pierre McGuire]] had already been interviewed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/senators-set-the-dynamite-and-prepare-to-blow-things-up/article1880269/ |title=Senators set the dynamite and prepare to blow things up |last=MacGregor |first=Roy |date=January 24, 2011 |work=The Globe and Mail |access-date=September 7, 2017 |archive-date=April 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417220044/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/senators-set-the-dynamite-and-prepare-to-blow-things-up/article1880269/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Murray, in a press conference that day, stated that he wished to stay on as the team's general manager. He also stated that Melnyk was allowing him to continue as the general manager without restraint. Murray said that the players were now to be judged by their play until the February 28 trade deadline. Murray would attempt to move "a couple, at least," of the players for draft picks or prospects at that time if the Senators remained out of playoff contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/01/24/17012116.html |title=Murray: I want to stay on as Sens GM |work=Ottawa Sun |date=January 24, 2011 |last=Brennan |first=Don |access-date=March 8, 2011 |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001200028/http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/01/24/17012116.html |url-status=live}}</ref><!-- At the time of Murray's comments, the team was eight games under .500 and 14 points out of a playoff position after 49 games.{{cn|date=March 2022}} -->

[[File:Craig Anderson 2013-05-24.JPG|upright|thumb|alt=man wearing hockey goaltending equipment |During the 2010–11 season, the Senators acquired [[Craig Anderson (ice hockey)|Craig Anderson]] after swapping goaltenders with the [[Colorado Avalanche]].]]
True to his word, Murray made a flurry of trades. He started his overhaul with the trading of [[Mike Fisher (ice hockey)|Mike Fisher]] to the [[Nashville Predators]]. Fisher already had a home in [[Nashville]] with his wife [[Carrie Underwood]]. The trading of Fisher, a fan favourite in Ottawa, led to a small anti-Underwood backlash with the banning of her songs from the playlists of some local radio stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cp24.com/ottawa-radio-station-bans-carrie-underwood-music-after-sens-trade-1.606106 |title=Ottawa radio station bans Carrie Underwood music after Sens trade |author=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto |via=cp24.com |date=February 10, 2011 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407093734/https://www.cp24.com/ottawa-radio-station-bans-carrie-underwood-music-after-sens-trade-1.606106 |url-status=live}}</ref> Murray next traded veterans [[Chris Kelly (ice hockey)|Chris Kelly]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Rebuild mode: Boston acquires Chris Kelly from Ottawa for a second-round pick |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=February 16, 2011}}</ref> and [[Jarkko Ruutu]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators send left-winger Jarkko Ruutu to Anaheim Ducks for sixth-round pick |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont.|date=February 17, 2011}}</ref> A swap of goaltenders was made with the [[Colorado Avalanche]] which brought [[Craig Anderson (ice hockey)|Craig Anderson]] to Ottawa in exchange for Brian Elliott, both goaltenders having sub-par years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators acquire goalie Craig Anderson from Avalanche for Brian Elliott |last=Yzerman |first=Chris |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto , Ont. |date=February 18, 2011}}</ref> Next, under-achieving forward [[Alexei Kovalev|Alex Kovalev]] was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ottawa Senators send Alex Kovalev to Pittsburgh Penguins for draft pick |last=Yzerman |first=Chris |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=February 24, 2011}}</ref> On trade deadline day, Ottawa picked up goaltender [[Curtis McElhinney]] on waivers. It traded [[Chris Campoli]] with a seventh-round pick to the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] for a second-round pick and [[Ryan Potulny]].<ref>{{cite news |title=When the dealing's done; Sens trade Campoli to Chicago for Potulny, pick, claim goalie McElhinney off waivers from Tampa |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=March 1, 2011| page=B.1}}</ref> Goaltender Anderson played very well down the stretch for Ottawa, and the team quickly signed the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent to a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators sign goaltender Craig Anderson to $12.75-million, four-year extension |last=Yzerman |first=Chris |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=March 21, 2011}}</ref> After media speculation on the future of Murray within the organization, Murray was re-signed as general manager on April 8 to a three-year extension.<ref>{{cite news |work=TSN |date=April 8, 2011 |title=Murray agrees to three-year deal to stay as Senators' GM |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=361371 |access-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113095816/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=361371 |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 9, head coach Cory Clouston and assistants Greg Carvel and [[Brad Lauer]] were dismissed from their positions.<ref name="clouston-firing">{{cite news |title=Ottawa fires coach Cory Clouston after disappointing season |newspaper=Daily Bulletin |location=Kimberley, B.C. |date=April 11, 2011 |page=10}}</ref> Murray said that the decision was made based on the fact that the team entered the season believing it was a contender, but finished with a 32–40–10 record.<ref name="clouston-firing"/> Former [[Detroit Red Wings]]' assistant coach [[Paul MacLean (ice hockey)|Paul MacLean]] was hired as Clouston's replacement on June 14, 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators to unveil MacLean as coach; GM Murray to name Detroit assistant as new bench boss |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=June 14, 2011 |page=B1}}</ref>

As the [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]] began, many hockey [[Sports journalism|writers]] and [[Sports commentator|commentators]] were convinced that the Senators would finish at or near the bottom of the NHL standings.<ref>{{cite web |website=slam.canoe.ca |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2011/09/14/18687986.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717013633/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2011/09/14/18687986.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |title=Five things Sens need to do to make playoffs |date=September 14, 2011}}</ref> While rebuilding, the Ottawa line-up contained many [[rookie]]s and inexperienced players. The team struggled out of the gate, losing five of their first six games before a reversal of fortunes saw them win six games in a row. In December 2011, the team acquired forward [[Kyle Turris]] from the [[Phoenix Coyotes]] in exchange for highly regarded prospect [[David Rundblad]] and a draft pick.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators acquire Turris from Coyotes; For Rundblad; 'To get a top-six forward you... have to pay for it' |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |newspaper=National Post |location=Don Mills, Ont. |date=December 19, 2011 |page=B2}}</ref> The team improved its play afterwards and moved into a playoff position before the All-Star Game. For the first time in Senators' history, the All-Star Game was held in Ottawa and considered a great success. Five Senators were voted in or named to the event, including Daniel Alfredsson, who was named the captain of one team.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators to have most players at All-Star game; ? Host club will have five representatives at Jan. 29 tilt |agency=Reuters |newspaper=The Times - Transcript |location=Moncton, N.B. |date=January 13, 2012 |page=D.1}}</ref> The team continued its playoff push after the break. After starting goaltender Craig Anderson injured his hand in a [[kitchen]] accident at home, the Senators called up [[Robin Lehner]] from Binghamton and acquired highly regarded goaltender [[Ben Bishop]] from the [[St. Louis Blues]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Crease gets crowded with trade for Bishop |last=Scanlan |first=Wayne |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=February 27, 2012 |page=B.1}}</ref> While Anderson recovered, the team continued its solid play and finished as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, drawing a first-round playoff matchup against the Conference champion [[New York Rangers]]. Ultimately, Ottawa lost the series in seven games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Last Canadian team falls: Ottawa Senators lose 2-1 in Game 7 in New York |last=Cox |first=Damien |newspaper=Waterloo Region Record |location=Kitchener, Ont. |date=April 27, 2012 |page=C.1}}</ref>

[[File:Paul MacLean 2013-05-24.JPG|left|thumb|upright|alt=man with moustache in suit|[[Paul MacLean (ice hockey)|Paul MacLean]] was awarded the [[Jack Adams Award]] during the [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]]. He was the Senators' head coach from 2011 to 2014.]]
The [[2012–13 NHL season|next season]], Ottawa would be challenged to repeat the success they had in 2011–12 due to long-term injuries to key players such as [[Erik Karlsson]], Jason Spezza, [[Milan Michálek|Milan Michalek]] and Craig Anderson.<ref name="adams-win">{{cite news |title=AWESOME ANNIVERSARY ; Paul MacLean wins Jack Adams two years after landing Sens gig
|last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=June 15, 2013 |page=42}}</ref> Despite these injuries, the Senators would finish seventh in the Eastern Conference and head coach Paul MacLean would go on to win the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's coach of the year.<ref name="adams-win"/> In a rivalry series, Ottawa defeated the second-seeded Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs in five games, blowing out Montreal 6–1 in games three and five.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hey, hey, hey, goodbye Habs ; NHL PLAYOFFS: Ottawa 6, Montreal 1 |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Beacon Herald |location=Stratford, Ont. |date=May 10, 2013 |page=B.1}}</ref> This was the first Montreal-Ottawa playoff series since Ottawa joined the league and the first between the cities' teams since the original Senators played the Canadiens in 1927.<ref>{{cite news |title=Canadiens-Senators finally set for first playoff meeting as Cup quest begins |last=Beacon |first=Bill |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=May 1, 2013}}</ref> The Senators could not repeat the upset, losing to the top-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins in five games in the second round.<ref>{{cite news |title=Penguins simply too much for Senators |last=Arthur |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Windsor Star |location=Windsor, Ont. |date=May 25, 2013 |page=E1}}</ref>

July 5, 2013, would be a day of mixed emotions for the city and fans, as long-time captain Daniel Alfredsson signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings, leaving Ottawa after 17 seasons with the Senators and 14 as captain after a contract dispute.<ref name="panzeri-2013">{{cite news |title=A bittersweet farewell; Daniel Alfredsson Thanked The City Of Ottawa And Senators Fans Thursday As He Made Final Preparations To Leave For Detroit, Allen Panzeri Writes. But His Revelation That Broken Promises Over Money Played A Big Part In His Decision Kicked Off A Day Full Of Recriminations |first=Allen |last=Panzeri |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=August 16, 2013 |page=B.1}}</ref> The signing shocked numerous fans across the city and many within the Senators organization.<ref name="panzeri-2013"/> The day finished optimistically, however, as Murray acquired star forward [[Bobby Ryan]] from the Anaheim Ducks, hoping Ryan could replace Alfredsson on the top line with Jason Spezza. Murray would also sign free-agent forward [[Clarke MacArthur]] to a two-year contract that same day and bring back former defenceman [[Joe Corvo]] to a one-year contract three days later on July 8, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |title=A NEW BATTLE; New faces abound, but the Senators and Leafs will continue to wage war for Ontario next season. We look at the fresh (bad) blood |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=August 13, 2013 |page=34}}</ref>

For the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]], the league realigned and Ottawa was assigned to the new Atlantic Division along with the rest of the old Northeast Division and the Detroit Red Wings, formerly of the [[Western Conference (NHL)|Western Conference]].<ref>{{cite news |title=With Olympic agreement reached, NHL releases its 2013-14 schedule |last=Whyno |first=Stephen |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=July 19, 2013}}</ref> The re-alignment brought increased competition to qualify for the playoffs, as there were now 16 teams in the Eastern Conference fighting for eight playoff spots. The season began with a changing of leadership, as on September 14, 2013, the Ottawa Senators named Jason Spezza their eighth captain in franchise history.<ref>{{cite news |title=Spezza named captain of Ottawa Senators |newspaper=Mississauga News |date=September 14, 2013 |page=1}}</ref> While new addition Clarke MacArthur had a career year, Ryan and Spezza struggled to find chemistry, and Ryan was moved to a line with MacArthur and Kyle Turris.<ref>{{cite news |title=COLD STARS; Bobby Ryan and Jason Spezza need to start doing what they are expected do -- score |last=Brennan |first=Don |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=January 28, 2014 |page=24}}</ref> Corvo lost his place in the line-up and was waived.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bobby Ryan isn't sweating trades this year ... Oilers aren't putting Szabados in net ... Conacher won't quit his day job |first=Derek |last=Van Diest |newspaper=The Edmonton Sun |date=March 5, 2014 |page=S.5}}</ref> The team outside of a playoff position, Murray bolstered the club with a trade for flashy right-winger [[Aleš Hemský|Ales Hemsky]] from the [[Edmonton Oilers]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators acquire Hemsky from Oilers, sign Phillips to contract extension |last=Spencer |first=Donna |agency=The Canadian Press |date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> The club, however, was eliminated from playoff contention in the last week of the season, finishing five points short.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rivals take different roads; Habs have soared, Sens have faltered since Ottawa's 2013 playoff victory |last=Scanlan |first=Wayne |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=January 15, 2015 |page=B.1}}</ref> Further disappointment ensued as the team lost Hemsky to free agency and Spezza requested a trade out of Ottawa, ending the era of the stars of the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals team.<ref>{{cite news |title=Spezza trade request sad end to an era in Ottawa: Senators team that once looked so promising now faces difficult task of trying to unload captain |last=Cox |first=Damien |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=June 12, 2014 |page=S.1}}</ref> Spezza agreed to be traded to the Dallas Stars and was sent with [[Ludwig Karlsson]] for [[Alex Chiasson]], [[Nick Paul]], Alex Guptill and a [[2015 NHL entry draft|2015]] second-round pick.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators trade Spezza to Dallas, lose their captain |last=Wallace |first=Lisa |newspaper=Daily Gleaner |location=Fredericton, N.B. |date=July 2, 2014 |page=B.1}}</ref>

[[File:Erik Karlsson 1 2017-05-13.jpg|thumb|alt=man with mustache and beard wearing a white ice hockey uniform |[[Erik Karlsson]] was team captain through the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15]] to [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18]] seasons.]]
At the beginning of the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]], Karlsson was named the franchise's ninth captain and the club signed Ryan to a seven-year extension.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators name Karlsson captain; extend Ryan |last=Wallace |first=Lisa |newspaper=Daily Townsman |location=Cranbrook, B.C. |date=October 3, 2014 |page=A.8}}</ref> Unhappy with an 11–11–5 record after 27 games, the Senators fired head coach Paul MacLean and replaced him with assistant coach [[Dave Cameron (ice hockey)|Dave Cameron]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Stagnant Sens fire MacLean |last=Brennan |first=Don |newspaper=Observer |location=Sarnia, Ont. |date=December 9, 2014 |page=A8}}</ref> The change turned the season around for the Senators, who won 32 of their last 55 games. After both Senators' goalies Anderson and Lehner were injured, the team turned to Binghamton goaltender [[Andrew Hammond (ice hockey)|Andrew Hammond]]. Hammond, aka 'The Hamburglar,' would compile a record of 20–1–2, a goals-against average of 1.79, and a save percentage of .941 to get the team back into playoff position.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hammoan01.html |title=Andrew Hammond |website=hockey-reference.com |accessdate=April 12, 2022 |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413031515/https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hammoan01.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ferner's seen it all before; Junior coach knows how goaltender Andrew Hammond can turn a team's season around |last=Brennan |first=Don |work=The Toronto Sun |date=March 6, 2015 |page=S.7}}</ref> The Senators became the first team in modern NHL history to overcome a 14-point deficit at any juncture of the season to qualify for the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/senators-extra/by-the-numbers-the-match-up-offers-ottawa-some-hope |title=By the Numbers: Matchup with Habs offers Senators some hope |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=April 15, 2015 |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417191437/http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/senators-extra/by-the-numbers-the-match-up-offers-ottawa-some-hope |url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the Senators lost to the Canadiens in six games in the first round of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |title='The next step'; Victorious Habs praise Ottawa's resilience, but aren't getting too high on tough series win |last=Baines |first=Tim |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=April 28, 2015 |page=31}}</ref>

During the 2014–15 season, it was announced that Murray had cancer. Taking regular treatment, Murray chose to stay on as general manager through the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]]. Despite posting the best record of any Canadian team in the league, the Senators failed to make the playoffs in what was considered a disappointing season (all seven Canadian teams missed the playoffs). Murray made one 'blockbuster' nine-player trade that brought Toronto Maple Leafs' captain [[Dion Phaneuf]] to the Senators before the trade deadline.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/dion-phaneuf-trade-1.3440169 |title=Dion Phaneuf traded to Senators in 9-player deal |publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=February 9, 2016 |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923150105/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/dion-phaneuf-trade-1.3440169 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Senators were outside of a playoff position at the time of the deal, and played well until the end of the season, but fell just short, placing fifth in the division.<ref>{{cite news |title=Low blows the canadian press; Now that it's all over, let's look back at all the reasons for the Senators' horrible season |last=Brennan |first=Don |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=April 1, 2016 |page=S.28}}</ref>

===Pierre Dorion era (2016–2023)===
On April 10, 2016, the day after the final game of the 2015–16 season, Murray announced his resignation as general manager and that he would continue in an advisory role with the club. Assistant general manager [[Pierre Dorion]] was promoted to the general manager position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/senatorsextra/shake-up-expected-at-sens-office-today|title=BREAKING: Murray steps down, Dorion named new Sens GM|work=Ottawa Citizen|date=April 10, 2016|access-date=May 9, 2016|archive-date=May 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514094729/http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/senatorsextra/shake-up-expected-at-sens-office-today|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 12, 2016, the Senators fired head coach Dave Cameron.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/senators-fire-coach-dave-cameron-his-staff/|title=Senators fire coach Dave Cameron, his staff|work=CBS Sports|date=April 12, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2018|archive-date=May 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526112820/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/senators-fire-coach-dave-cameron-his-staff/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 8, 2016, the Senators hired former [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] head coach [[Guy Boucher]] as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/15487976/ottawa-senators-hire-guy-boucher-head-coachn|title=Guy Boucher to coach Senators in second NHL stint|publisher=ESPN|date=May 8, 2016|access-date=May 9, 2016|archive-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509102345/http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/15487976/ottawa-senators-hire-guy-boucher-head-coachn|url-status=live}}</ref> On the following day, [[Marc Crawford]] was announced as associate coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=882082|title=News Release: Marc Crawford named Ottawa Senators associate coach|publisher=National Hockey League|date=May 9, 2016|access-date=May 13, 2016|archive-date=May 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512163528/http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=882082|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 13, 2016, the Senators hired Daniel Alfredsson as the senior advisor of hockey operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/news-release-daniel-alfredsson-agrees-to-one-year-extension-as-senior-advisor-of-hockey-operations/c-885886|title=News Release: Daniel Alfredsson agrees to one-year extension as senior advisor of hockey operations|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=December 5, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220053915/https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/news-release-daniel-alfredsson-agrees-to-one-year-extension-as-senior-advisor-of-hockey-operations/c-885886|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2016, the Senators hired [[Rob Cookson]] as an assistant coach, who had worked with both Boucher and Crawford in Switzerland, and Pierre Groulx as a goaltending coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/news-release-ottawa-senators-name-rob-cookson-assistant-coach/c-886068|title=News Release: Ottawa Senators name Rob Cookson assistant coach|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=December 5, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220053912/https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/news-release-ottawa-senators-name-rob-cookson-assistant-coach/c-886068|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Senators finished second in the Atlantic Division during the [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17 season]]. They faced the [[Boston Bruins]] in the first round of the playoffs, winning that series in six games. In the second round, they defeated the [[New York Rangers]] in six games. During the second game of that series, [[Jean-Gabriel Pageau]] scored four goals, including the game-winning goal in double overtime. The Senators would come within one win of the Stanley Cup Finals having lost in double overtime of the seventh game of their conference finals series against the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]], who went on to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pittsburgh Wins In Game 7 Thriller; Senators leave nothing on the ice, but Kunitz scores in double overtime |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Vancouver Sun |location=Vancouver, B.C. |date=May 26, 2017 |page=C.7}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Back-to-back champions: Hornqvist scores late in a riveting Game 6 to help Pittsburgh win second Cup in a row, as Crosby repeats as Conn Smythe winner |last=Duhatschek |first=Eric |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=June 12, 2017 |page=S3}}</ref>

Following their appearance in the conference finals the previous season, the Senators lost defenceman [[Marc Methot]] to the [[2017 NHL expansion draft]]. On November 5, 2017, the Senators conducted a blockbuster trade with the Colorado Avalanche, bringing in star forward [[Matt Duchene]] from the Avalanche in exchange for Kyle Turris, [[Shane Bowers (ice hockey)|Shane Bowers]], Andrew Hammond, a conditional first-round pick in [[2018 NHL entry draft|2018]] or [[2019 NHL entry draft|2019]] and a third-round pick in 2019. Following the trade, however, the Senators' season began to fall apart with a disastrous November road trip.<ref name="heritage-classic">{{cite news |title=Dark clouds hang over Ottawa Senators' celebration |last=MacGregor |first=Roy |work=The Globe and Mail (Online) |date=December 15, 2017}}</ref> A season highlight was hosting the [[NHL 100 Classic]] game outdoors at the [[TD Place Stadium]] football field versus the Montreal Canadiens. The game marked the centennial of the first Montreal-Ottawa game in the NHL. The Senators won the game 3–0, but the festival atmosphere was somewhat marred by owner Melnyk's controversial comments to the press about attendance levels and selling or moving the team.<ref name="heritage-classic"/> Out of the playoff picture, the Senators chose to trade away veteran players. Forward [[Derick Brassard]] and defenceman Dion Phaneuf were dealt at the trade deadline to the Pittsburgh Penguins and [[Los Angeles Kings]], respectively. The Senators finished the year second-to-last in the league with a 28–43–11 record and 67 points, their fourth-worst season since entering the league.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2018_standings.html |title=2017-18 NHL Standings |accessdate=April 9, 2022 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820000749/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2018_standings.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Underachieving Sens know change coming; Players brace for likely overhaul of roster following disastrous 30th-place finish |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=April 9, 2018 |page=B.6}}</ref>

During the 2018 off-season, the Senators began what would end up being a complete rebuild. They traded forward [[Mike Hoffman (ice hockey, born 1989)|Mike Hoffman]] to the San Jose Sharks, who later that day flipped him to the [[Florida Panthers]]. The Senators ended up with the fourth-overall pick in the 2018 draft due to their poor record. Under the Matt Duchene trade conditions, they either had to give up the pick to the Avalanche or wait a year and surrender their 2019 first-round pick instead. The Senators elected to keep the pick and selected forward [[Brady Tkachuk]] fourth overall. Just before the regular season started, the Senators traded their captain, Erik Karlsson, to the San Jose Sharks for a large package of players and draft picks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ottawa Senators trade Erik Karlsson to San Jose Sharks |last=Wallace |first=Lisa |work=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=September 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='Sad day for me'; Full rebuild begins in earnest as Senators trade captain and franchise player Erik Karlsson to San Jose Sharks |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Province |location=Vancouver, B.C. |date=September 14, 2018 |page=A59}}</ref>

After a miserable start to the [[2018–19 NHL season|2018–19 season]], the Senators were unable to re-sign forwards Matt Duchene, [[Mark Stone]] and [[Ryan Dzingel]] before the trade deadline. In an attempt to create optimism, owner Melnyk famously stated: "The Senators will be all-in again for a five-year run of unparalleled success–where the team will plan to spend close to the NHL's salary cap every year from 2021 to 2025. The Senators' current rebuild is a blueprint on how to bring the Stanley Cup home to its rightful place in Ottawa."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/melnyk-pledges-to-spend-close-to-salary-cap-1.4286321 |title=Melnyk pledges to spend close to salary cap |website=CTV News |date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126112931/https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/melnyk-pledges-to-spend-close-to-salary-cap-1.4286321 |url-status=live}}</ref> All three players were subsequently traded before the 2019 trade deadline. Duchene and Dzingel were traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for draft picks, prospects and [[Anthony Duclair]]. In contrast, fan favourite Mark Stone was traded to the [[Vegas Golden Knights]] in exchange for prospect [[Erik Brännström|Erik Brannstrom]], forward [[Oscar Lindberg (ice hockey)|Oscar Lindberg]] and a second-round pick.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/senators-trade-star-forward-mark-stone-golden-knights/|title=Senators trade star forward Mark Stone to Golden Knights|website=Sportsnet|access-date=January 26, 2022|archive-date=January 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126113548/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/senators-trade-star-forward-mark-stone-golden-knights/|url-status=live}}</ref> Just days after trading away the team's three leading scorers, it was announced that the plans for a new downtown arena on the open land at Lebreton Flats had fallen through. The Ottawa Citizen called it "one of the gloomiest weeks in the history of the Ottawa Senators."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/lebreton-flats-redevelopment-talks-have-failed-ncc-says|title=LeBreton Flats redevelopment talks have failed; Melnyk says 'alternative' arena locations could be explored|website=Postmedia|access-date=January 26, 2022|archive-date=January 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126105414/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/lebreton-flats-redevelopment-talks-have-failed-ncc-says|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 1, 2019, with the team in 31st place, head coach Guy Boucher was fired with associate coach Marc Crawford taking over as head coach for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marc Crawford named interim head coach of rebuilding Ottawa Senators |url=https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/marc-crawford-named-interim-head-coach-of-rebuilding-ottawa-senators/c-305356826 |website=NHL.com |access-date=March 4, 2019 |date=March 1, 2019}}</ref> The 2018–19 season saw the team finish last in the NHL without their own first-round draft pick. This marked the first time since 1995–96 that the Senators missed back-to-back playoff appearances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/senators/stats|title=Ottawa Senators Stats {{!}} 2018-2019|website=Ottawa Senators|access-date=May 17, 2019|archive-date=March 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322095038/https://www.nhl.com/senators/stats|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prior to the [[2019–20 NHL season|2019–20 season]], [[D. J. Smith (ice hockey)|D. J. Smith]] was hired as the new head coach while the organization shifted its focus to developing its young players. The season was ultimately cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Senators finished second last in the NHL with 62 points in 71 games. In contrast, Ottawa's farm team, the [[Belleville Senators]], put together a very impressive, albeit shortened season led by Ottawa's top prospects, which included [[Josh Norris]], [[Drake Batherson]], [[Alex Formenton]] and Erik Brannstrom among others.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators' final 13 games of season cut short due to COVID-19 |last=Baldwin |first=Derek |work=The Intelligencer (Online) |location=Belleville, Ont. |publisher=Postmedia Network Inc. |date=March 13, 2020}}</ref> Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks suffered an unexpected collapse that year which significantly benefited the Senators who had acquired their first-round draft pick in the Erik Karlsson trade.<ref>{{cite news |title=Looking ahead; Sens owner Eugene Melnyk is excited about the draft and future of his team |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=May 19, 2020 |page=S4}}</ref> Ottawa found themselves with the third and fifth picks in the [[2020 NHL entry draft|2020 NHL draft]] and used them to select highly touted prospects [[Tim Stützle|Tim Stutzle]] and [[Jake Sanderson]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/sharks/senators-pick-tim-stutzle-sharks-first-rounder-erik-karlsson-trade |title=Senators select Stützle with Sharks' pick from Karlsson trade |website=NBC Sports |date=October 7, 2020 |access-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126122907/https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/sharks/senators-pick-tim-stutzle-sharks-first-rounder-erik-karlsson-trade |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Senators would miss the playoffs again for the [[2020–21 NHL season|2020–21 season]], a season overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The young team played an all-Canadian shortened season, during which they had a poor record to start the season but finished the season with a strong stretch of play, inspiring some optimism for the future.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ottawa Senators could surprise in 2021-22 |last=Parkinson |first=Cole |newspaper=The 40 - Mile County Commentator |location=Bow Island, Alta. |date=October 5, 2021 |page=A.3}}</ref> The Senators again traded away veterans at the trade deadline for draft picks.<ref>{{cite news |title=NHL trade deadline 2020: Everything you need to know about Monday's trades: Players on the move as NHL teams position themselves for the stretch drive |work=The Globe and Mail (Online) |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=February 25, 2020 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-nhl-trade-deadline-2020-tracker/ |access-date=May 7, 2022 |archive-date=May 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507192405/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-nhl-trade-deadline-2020-tracker/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Before the [[2021–22 Ottawa Senators season|2021–22 season]], general manager Pierre Dorion's contract was extended until 2025. He proceeded to declare: "The rebuild is done. Now we're stepping into another zone." His claims, however, did not materialize as the Senators got off to a slow start and were quickly out of the playoff picture.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/radio/ottawa-1200/dorion-the-rebuild-is-done-time-to-start-winning-1.1690723|title=Dorion: "The rebuild is done. Time to start winning"|date=September 7, 2021|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=January 26, 2022|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127063936/https://www.tsn.ca/radio/ottawa-1200/dorion-the-rebuild-is-done-time-to-start-winning-1.1690723|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 17, 2021, Brady Tkachuk signed a seven-year deal after a dramatic contract holdout.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/brady-tkachuk-signing-update-news-status/c-325807568|title=Tkachuk signs seven-year, $57.5 million contract with Senators|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=January 26, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305185140/https://www.nhl.com/news/brady-tkachuk-signing-update-news-status/c-325807568|url-status=live}}</ref> Just under three weeks later, he was named the 10th captain in franchise history at just 22 years of age. Tkachuk was, at the time, the franchise's youngest-ever captain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhlpa.com/news/2-27392/senators-name-brady-tkachuk-as-10th-captain-in-franchise-history|title=Senators name Brady Tkachuk as 10th captain in franchise history|website=NHLPA|access-date=November 5, 2023|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127170512/https://www.nhlpa.com/news/2-27392/senators-name-brady-tkachuk-as-10th-captain-in-franchise-history|url-status=live}}</ref>

Ahead of the [[2022–23 NHL season|2022–23 season]], the team was aggressive in their efforts to exit their rebuild, drastically retooling the team through the acquisitions of forwards [[Alex DeBrincat]] and [[Claude Giroux]] and goaltender [[Cam Talbot]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Blackhawks trade Alex DeBrincat to Senators in exchange for No. 7 pick in 2022 NHL Draft |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/blackhawks-trade-alex-debrincat-to-senators-in-exchange-for-no-7-pick-in-2022-nhl-draft/ |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712235708/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/blackhawks-trade-alex-debrincat-to-senators-in-exchange-for-no-7-pick-in-2022-nhl-draft/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2022 |title=Giroux, 34, secures three-year deal from Senators |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/34237040/star-forward-claude-giroux-34-signs-three-year-deal-ottawa-senators |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714014510/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/34237040/star-forward-claude-giroux-34-signs-three-year-deal-ottawa-senators |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |agency=The Canadian Press |date=July 12, 2022 |title=Wild trade G Talbot to Senators - TSN.ca |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cam-talbot-trade-minnesota-wild-ottawa-senators-1.1824641 |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=TSN |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712234944/https://www.tsn.ca/cam-talbot-trade-minnesota-wild-ottawa-senators-1.1824641 |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, the team signed Josh Norris and Tim Stutzle to eight-year contract extensions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Senators re-sign forward Josh Norris to eight-year contract |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/senators-re-sign-forward-josh-norris-to-eight-year-contract/ |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=Sportsnet.ca |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714214851/https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/senators-re-sign-forward-josh-norris-to-eight-year-contract/ |url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the season, the Senators missed the playoffs by six points.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mendes |first1=Ian |title=Senators understand it's playoffs or bust next season after step forward in 2022-23 |url=https://theathletic.com/4409678/2023/04/14/ottawa-senators-playoffs-dj-smith/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=November 5, 2023 |date=April 14, 2023}}</ref>

Before the [[2023–24 NHL season|2023–24 season]], DeBrincat notified the Senators he would not re-sign long-term with the club and was traded to Detroit. Talbot was not re-signed. Instead, the Senators signed free agents – goaltender [[Joonas Korpisalo]] and forward [[Vladimir Tarasenko]]. At the start of the 2023–24 season, the NHL levied the forfeiture of a first-round pick due to negligence on the part of the Senators involving the trade of [[Evgeni Dadonov]]. Dorion resigned as general manager upon being asked to step down.<ref name="forfeit">{{cite web |title=Senators GM is out after NHL makes Ottawa forfeit a draft pick for its role in an invalidated trade |url=https://apnews.com/article/ottawa-senators-forfeit-draft-pick-f53850759f0f9cd2d73b5cc4407942bf |website=AP News |access-date=November 5, 2023 |date=November 1, 2023}}</ref> After an 11–15–0 start to the season, the Senators fired D. J. Smith on December 18, 2023 and former head coach [[Jacques Martin (ice hockey)|Jacques Martin]], who had been serving as a senior advisor stepped in as interim coach until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ottawa Senators relieve D.J. Smith of head coaching duties; Jacques Martin to serve as interim head coach |url=https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/ottawa-senators-relieve-d-j-smith-of-head-coaching-duties-jacques-martin-to-serve-as-interim-head-coach |website=Ottawa Senators |access-date=February 19, 2025 |date=December 18, 2023}}</ref>

===Death of owner Eugene Melnyk and sale===
Owner Eugene Melnyk died in March 2022 due to an unspecified illness.<ref>{{cite press release |title=A Message from the family of Eugene Melnyk and the Ottawa Senators |url=https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/eugene-melnyk/c-332374066 |website=senators.nhl.com |date=March 28, 2022 |accessdate=April 6, 2022 |archive-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406091020/https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/eugene-melnyk/c-332374066 |url-status=live}}</ref> In statements in recent years, Melnyk had said that he planned to leave the team to his two daughters Olivia and Anna when he had been asked if he intended to sell the team. However, there had been speculation about ownership changes.<ref>{{cite video |url=https://www.tsn.ca/video/garrioch-eugene-melnyk-saved-the-senators~2405061 |title=Garrioch: Eugene Melnyk saved the Senators |website=tsn.ca |accessdate=April 6, 2022 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407091630/https://www.tsn.ca/video/garrioch-eugene-melnyk-saved-the-senators~2405061 |url-status=live}}</ref> The team added an 'EM' patch on the jersey for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite news |website=ctvnews.ca |title=Ottawa Senators honour late owner with special jersey patch |url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-senators-honour-late-owner-with-special-jersey-patch-1.5845747 |first=Ted |last=Raymond |date=April 2, 2022 |access-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410142511/https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-senators-honour-late-owner-with-special-jersey-patch-1.5845747 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2022, the team engaged a New York City investment banker to facilitate a sale of the team.<ref>{{cite web |website=msn.com |first=Bruce |last=Garrioch |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/topstories/garrioch-the-ottawa-senators-are-going-up-for-sale/ar-AA13C7Yz |title=GARRIOCH: The Ottawa Senators are going up for sale |date=November 2, 2022 |accessdate=November 2, 2022 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101221417/https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/topstories/garrioch-the-ottawa-senators-are-going-up-for-sale/ar-AA13C7Yz |url-status=live}}</ref> The Senators confirmed the planned sale in a press release on November 5, with a condition of sale being that the team remain in Ottawa.<ref>{{cite press release |website=nhl.com |url=https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/statement-from-senators-sports--entertainment/c-337203674 |title=Statement from Senators Sports & Entertainment |author=Senators Communications |date=November 5, 2022 |access-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106165013/https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/statement-from-senators-sports--entertainment/c-337203674 |url-status=live}}</ref> On June 13, 2023, the Senators announced that a purchase agreement had been signed with a group of investors headed by [[Michael Andlauer]], a Toronto businessman and part-owner of the Montreal Canadiens.<ref>{{cite press release|website=nhl.com |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ottawa-enters-into-purchase-agreement-with-michael-andlauer/c-344846748 |title=Senators enter into purchase agreement with Andlauer |date=June 13, 2023 |accessdate=June 13, 2023}}</ref> Andlauer became majority owner along with his partners, Eugene Melnyk's daughters, and a group of Canadian businessmen on September 21, 2023.<ref name="Michael Andlauer is the new owner of the Ottawa Senators">{{cite news |first=Bruce |last=Garrioch |date=September 21, 2023 |work=National Post |accessdate=September 21, 2023 |title=Garrioch: It's official! Michael Andlauer is the new owner of the Ottawa Senators |url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/garrioch-its-official-michael-andlauer-is-the-new-owner-of-the-ottawa-senators}}</ref>

===Andlauer era and 2024–25 playoff berth===
After Andlauer took over the franchise, he set about making changes. Cyril Leeder, who had previously served as the team's chief executive officer (CEO) from 2009 to 2017 was brought back as the CEO in September 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/cyril-leeder-returns-to-senators-as-ceo-under-new-owner-andlauer/ |title=Cyril Leeder returns to Senators as CEO under new owner Andlauer |work=Sportsnet |date=September 22, 2023 |access-date=April 20, 2025}}</ref> On September 29, former player [[Steve Staios]] was named president of hockey operations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/ottawa-senators-appoint-steve-staios-as-president-of-hockey-operations |title=Ottawa Senators appoint Steve Staios as President of Hockey Operations |publisher=Ottawa Senators |via=NHL.com |date=September 29, 2023 |access-date=April 20, 2025}}</ref> After Dorion's failure to disclose contract information led to the NHL penalizing the team a first-round draft pick, he resigned. Dorion was replaced as general manager on an interim basis by Staios.<ref name="forfeit"/> Staios was later named permanent general manager and another former NHL player, [[Dave Poulin]], was named senior vice president of hockey operations to assist Staios in December.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/ottawa-senators-appoint-steve-staios-as-general-manager-and-president-of-hockey-operations |title=Ottawa Senators appoint Steve Staios as General Manager and President of Hockey Operations |publisher=Ottawa Senators |via=NHL.com |date=December 31, 2023 |access-date=April 21, 2025}}</ref>

During the off–season after the 2023–24 season, the Senators announced the hiring of former Canucks/Devils head coach [[Travis Green]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/ottawa-senators/garrioch-travis-green-will-be-firm-but-fair-as-the-senators-head-coach |title= Garrioch: Travis Green will be 'firm, but fair' as the Senators' head coach |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=April 21, 2025}}</ref> Green's first season behind the Senators' bench got off to a shaky start, and by 2024–25 mid-season the team was 28th in the league. The team improved its position as the season progressed and clinched their first playoff berth to end an eight-year drought. Green became the first head coach to lead the Senators to the postseason since the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ottawa Senators clinch playoff spot for first time since 2017. Tickets to go on sale next week |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/ottawa-senators-clinch-playoff-spot-for-first-time-since-2017-tickets-to-go-on-sale-next-week/ |website=CTV News |last=Pringle |first=Josh |access-date=April 9, 2025 |date=April 9, 2025}}</ref>