8. Chris Phillips
Mar 5, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Phillips (4) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 1179 GP, 71G, 288P
Height/Weight: 6foot3, 221lbs
Acquired: 1996 NHL Draft (1st Overall)
While he was never the impact player some might expect a player who goes first overall to be, Chris Phillips has played more games for the Ottawa Senators than anyone.
It was a mark he achieved this past year after hitting 1179 NHL games played and he hasn’t played a game since. Phillips had back surgery this off-season and will look to gain a little more NHL experience this upcoming year, perhaps by hitting the 1200 games played marked and perhaps to the dismay of many Senators fans.
Phillips is one of the only players on this list who is a true “lifer” for the Sens. Daniel Alfredsson was supposed to be, but chose to finish his playing career in Detroit. Phillips may still play somewhere else (there have been rumours in the past) but that would be a shock at this point because at 38-years-old, it’s likely he calls his career after this season.
And when Phillips does retire as an Ottawa Senator, he’ll be part of an extremely exclusive group of players to spend their entire careers with one Canadian NHL franchise for more than 15 years. It’s a very short list and currently only contains players within the Maple Leafs and Canadiens’ organization. That list is: Maurice Richard, Henri Richard, Claude Provost, Aurele Joliat, Bob Gainey, Ron Ellis, Yvan Cournoyer, Butch Bouchard, Jean Beliveau, and George Armstrong.
Very exclusive company and for Phillips to have the chance to join that list, you have think number nine on this list is quite low. However, in discussing greatness, Phillips’ longevity is the best thing going for him. He was never an incredibly dominant player, as most defensive defenders aren’t. But Phillips getting the nod inside the top 10 has to do with his length and leadership he has provided the Senators for close to two decades.
Next: #7: 3 Time Cup Winner, Youngster In Ottawa