Best single play from each Senator during their tenure who left this free agency

In 2025, the Ottawa Senators made the playoffs for the first time since 2017. After being eliminated by the Toronto Maple Leafs in six games in round one, the off-season arrived.

During the off-season, general manager Steve Staios was able to re-sign players from the 2025 playoff team. Claude Giroux and Nick Cousins each re-signed to a one-year contract. Defensemen Nikolas Matinpalo and Tyler Kleven each signed a two-year extension. Fabian Zetterlund signed a three-year extension.

However, the Senators didn't re-sign Dennis Gilbert, Cole Reinhardt, Anton Forsberg, Adam Gaudette, Matthew Highmore and Angus Crookshank. Even with leaving, most of them produced a top play during their Senators tenure.

Best play from Senators tenure for Reinhardt, Forsberg, Gaudette, Highmore and Crookshank

Gilbert was the only Senator of the six players that didn't exactly have a best play considering he only played four games for the Senators after being traded to Ottawa from the Buffalo Sabres this past March. However, the other five players had a top play as a Senator before leaving this free agency.

Reinhardt- First NHL goal

Reinhardt only played in 18 games as a Senator, but his best play in Ottawa happened in November 2024.

In a game against the Calgary Flames, Reinhardt scored his first NHL goal to get the monkey off his back. Reinhardt's goal helped the Senators earn a win. This free agency, Reinhardt announced he would be moving on from the Senators and signed with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Forsberg- Flashing the glove in Motown

Forsberg never turned into the number one goaltender the Senators had hoped for after the 2021-22 season. Forsberg had inconsistency issues in the 2024-25 season as Linus Ullmark's backup, but had one top play during the season and during his Senators tenure.

In a January 2025 game against the Detroit Red Wings, Forsberg flashed his glove to rob Rob Marco of a goal. This free agency, Forsberg left the Senators to sign a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings.

Gaudette- Game 5's penalty kill

Heading into Game 5 of their 2025 first round series against the Maple Leafs, the Senators trailed 3-1 in the series facing elimination. Protecting a 1-0 third period lead, Gaudette came through clutch for the Senators.

While shorthanded, Gaudette forced a turnover that led to a 2-on-1 for the Senators. Then, Gaudette was able to deliver a pass to Dylan Cozens to score a shorthanded goal. Gaudette's play was pivotal to have the Senators score a big insurance goal. The Senators went on the win Game 5 to force a Game 6.

This free agency, Gaudette left the Senators to sign with the San Jose Sharks to a two-year contract.

Highmore- The stick comes in handy for a save

Highmore only recorded six points in 41 games during the 2024-25 season, but it was a defensive play that created a memorable play for Sens fans to remember.

In a March 2025 game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Highmore made an unbelievable stick save on what would've been a goal for Sean Couturier. The stick save helped the Senators earn an important road win in Philadelphia for the playoff chase.

This free agency, Highmore left the Senators for the New York Islanders.

Crookshank- First NHL goal

Crookshank was a dominate AHL player as he broke the Belleville Senators' all-time record for goals in franchise history, but his best moment in the NHL came in December 2023.

In the Senators' final road game against the then Arizona Coyotes, Crooshank scored the opening goal of the game to score the first of his NHL career.

This free agency, Crookshank left the Senators to sign with the New Jersey Devils to a two-year contract.