The 50 Greatest Ottawa Senators Of All-Time: #20 – #11
By Jack Leiper
17. Milan Michalek
Jan 13, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (9) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Senators 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 380 GP, 109G, 214P
Height/Weight: 6foot2, 198lbs
Acquired: Trade with San Jose (with Jonathan Cheechoo + 2nd round pick for Dany Heatley + 5th round pick)
Only 5 players have scored 35 or more goals in a Senators uniform. That list? Marian Hossa, Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley, Alexei Yashin and Milan Michalek.
Since coming over in the Dany Heatley deal, Michalek has been a steady Senator. His career year came in 10-11 when he earned an all-star nod and scored 35 goals while playing beside Jason Spezza. He’s got 214 points in 380 games as a Senator. That puts him in the top 15 among most points and games played as a Senator.
He’s still a member of the team today and showed a bit of a bounce-back after what many thought was the beginning of a fall-off. Michalek still has speed and he’s always been a smart player. Today, he’s a fill-in top 6 guy who is also capable of 35 – 45 points a year.
Michalek will remain under contract for two more years, and it’s quite possible the Senators will look to move his 4 million dollar salary sometime soon. Although, that might be a hard task.
His time in Ottawa will be looked back upon as the only piece from the Heatley deal t0 make an impact. He’s been a good Senator and is approaching 400 games with the organization. For that, he earns a nod at 17.
Next: #16: A Steady Forward, 70-point plateau