Ottawa Senators defeat Toronto Maple Leafs in season opener

The Ottawa Senators secured a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in their 2026-27 season opener. New captain Thomas Chabot led the performance, recording both a goal and an assist while playing over 27 minutes of ice time following an injury to Jake Sanderson.

The win follows a significant offseason for the Senators, which included General Manager Steve Staios trading former captain Brady Tkachuk to Florida in exchange for draft picks and a conditional first-round selection. Those assets were subsequently used to acquire forward William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks.

Analysts noted that the Senators may have benefited from a later start to their schedule compared to other NHL clubs, allowing for an extended training camp and better system implementation. Despite the successful start, questions remain regarding the team's goaltending consistency and the impact of recent roster changes.