Ottawa Senators Greatest Players: Number – 6 Marian Hossa
Marian Hossa has had a career worthy of the hall of fame. He won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks and went to two more Finals with the Penguins and Red Wings. He will be remembered as a Blackhawk for his incredible success there. However, this has caused many to forget his origins. Hossa was drafted, developed, and became a star with the Ottawa Senators.
Drafted at 12th overall, Hossa became NHL player full-time in 1998. However, his rookie season was delayed by two months because of injury. Despite missing the first quarter of the seasons, he was still able to finish with 30 points in 60 games to become the runner up for the Calder Trophy.
Following his first season, Hossa quickly became one of the best players in Ottawa. He would be one of the team’s top offensive contributors along with Yashin and Alfredsson. He developed into a player that could be relied on to score 70-80 points each year.
Throughout his career in Ottawa Hossa gained a reputation as a playoff flop. His strong regular seasons would be followed up by subpar playoffs. However, he put that talk to rest by leading the Ottawa Senators to their best finish in their history thus far in 2003. He lead the team to a Conference Final by scoring 16 points in 18 games.
Ultimately, Hossa would have his career cut short in Ottawa by a less than stellar relationship with management. He would re-sign with Ottawa prior to the 2005-2006 season. However, it was only signed under the condition that he would be dealt. The Sens sent Hossa to the Atlanta Thrashers in a package for all-star winger Dany Heatley.
Next: Ottawa Senators Greatest Players: Number – 7 Alexei Yashin
As a member of the Ottawa Senators, Marian Hossa scored 380 points in 467 games. His point total is still good enough for seventh all-time. His games total is still 13th ever for the Sens. Hossa was one of the most offensively gifted players to ever be a member of the Ottawa Senators.