Ottawa Senators Uncover Their Unluckiest Jersey Number

Ottawa Senators fans finally have a clear answer: No. 17 is the most unlucky jersey in franchise history, a fact that looms over a club currently sitting 6th in the Eastern Conference with a 44-27 record and a one‑game winning streak as of July 9, 2026.

Why is No. 17 considered cursed?

The Senators’ all‑time sweater database shows 19 players have donned No. 17, more than any other number. Yet none have become a long‑term cornerstone. No captain, no All‑Star, and no player has stayed beyond a single season. The pattern reads like a litany of brief stops and missed opportunities, reinforcing the perception of a jinx.

Which players fell victim to the “17” curse?

The list starts with Jody Hull in 1993, who vanished after one season. Eric Lacroix arrived in 2001, played nine games, then saw his NHL career end. Bill Muckalt posted zero goals in 70 games the next year. Fillip Novák managed just 0 points in 11 games in 2006, and Denis Hamel, despite a prolific AHL record, scored only four goals in 43 Ottawa games after switching to 17.

How recent has the curse persisted?

Even recent call‑ups haven’t escaped it. David Legwand, a longtime NHLer, tried No. 17 in 2015 and lasted only a year. Nate Thompson logged 11 points in 43 games in 2018, while Brian Gibbons posted 14 points in 20 games before disappearing from the league. The trend continued with Max McCormick, Jonathan Davidsson, Alex Galchenyuk, and Adam Gaudette—all seeing their Ottawa tenures end shortly after wearing the number.

Does the number still matter for the Senators?

While the club now focuses on building a competitive roster, the legacy of No. 17 offers a quirky reminder of how jersey choices can intersect with career trajectories. Coaches and equipment managers may still avoid assigning the number, preferring to let players pick digits without the weight of past misfortunes. For a team chasing a playoff push, every detail counts, even the numbers on the back of a jersey.

What can fans expect moving forward?

The Senators are riding a solid stretch, currently 6th in the East with a 44‑27 record and a one‑game winning streak as of July 9, 2026. As the roster solidifies, the organization may finally retire No. 17 from regular use, turning a superstition into a strategic decision. Until then, fans will keep an eye on any player brave enough to wear the infamous digit, hoping they break the pattern and become the next long‑term Sens star.