Senators fans want Chabot to be the next captain of the franchise

The Brady Tkachuk era is officially over in the nation’s capital. His trade to the Florida Panthers has left Senators fans wondering what the future of this team holds, in particular, who will be the next captain. General manager Steve Staios made it clear that despite the trade, he does not intend for the team to take a step back this season. The organization now faces an important decision of determining who is the ideal candidate to lead the Sens through this pinnacle point in their franchise, one in which stars Tim Stützle, the franchise’s dynamic centre and speedy offensive engine, and Jake Sanderson, an emerging Norris Trophy candidate, are under contract for the next half a decade. 

There has been much online discussion about whether the next captain should be one of the above-mentioned Stützle or Sanderson or an experienced veteran. One of these veterans is forward Claude Giroux, who brings nearly two decades of NHL experience and served as the longest-tenured team captain in Philadelphia Flyers history. However, if the Senators organization wants to choose the best representative of where this franchise has been and where it is headed, the answer is defenceman Thomas Chabot.

Longest tenured Senator

Senators fans have been quick to note that Chabot has been a constant through the highs and lows of this organization. Drafted 18th overall in the 2015 NHL draft, Chabot arrived before the organization’s rebuild began and has remained a constant despite the many departed star players, off-ice scandals, coaching changes, and losing seasons. He is also the longest tenured Senator on the roster, signing an eight-year, $64-million contract extension in 2019. His commitment to the team and the city of Ottawa has given the Sainte-Marie, Québec, native a strong foundation for him to take on a greater leadership role moving forward.

Chabot has also dealt with many injuries throughout his career, and this season was no different. His miraculous 17-day recovery from a late-season broken arm in March showed Senators fans his true commitment to the team and willingness to sacrifice the pain of playing through injury to help the Senators clinch their second straight playoff appearance. He recorded 31 points (7 goals, 24 assists) in 57 games in 2025-26 while averaging more than 22 minutes per night. His production of 0.54 points per game and his impact on the ice as a serviceable defenceman helped improve the play of the players around him. When paired with newly acquired defenceman Jordan Spence last season, the duo was a top pairing across the league with a 64.4% expected goals percentage and 3.46 expected goals per 60 minutes.

Veteran maturity

His media presence has also reminded Senators fans why he may be better prepared for the role than some of the other potential star candidates. On Tuesday at the Senators Charity Open golf tournament, Chabot acknowledged the overwhelming response from the fanbase for him to potentially become the eleventh captain of the club and how much it would mean to him, calling the possibility ‘a huge honour’ and referring to Ottawa as his 'home.' When asked about Tkachuk’s departure, Chabot took the opportunity to reiterate the fact that the organization will continue to thrive with players who want to be a part of the team and the city. These responses and so many others are reminders of Chabot’s maturity and ability to discuss controversial and high-pressure topics with ease. 

The good news is that the Senators are in good hands, as they have multiple candidates to be their next captain, all bringing many different strengths, leadership styles and personalities. With that being said, Chabot is a captain both on and off the ice. He has already lived the Senators’ story. Now, it is his turn to lead the franchise through their next chapter.

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