The Long Hiatus (1978–1990)
From founding franchise to 56-year absence: the original Ottawa Senators' journey.
The original Ottawa Senators played in the NHL from 1917 until 1931, then returned for the 1932–33 season before relocating to St. Louis in 1934. The franchise folded after one season as the St. Louis Eagles. The NHL did not have a team in Ottawa again until a new expansion franchise was granted in 1990.
Quick Facts
- Key event
- NHL Expansion Franchise Granted 1990
Lore & Background
The original Ottawa Senators were one of the four founding teams of the NHL in 1917. They were dropped after the 1930–31 season, rejoined for 1932–33, then relocated to become the St. Louis Eagles in 1934. The Eagles folded after one season, leaving Ottawa without an NHL team for 56 years until a new franchise was awarded in 1990.
Did You Know?
- The original Ottawa Senators were one of the four teams that began the NHL's inaugural 1917–18 season.
- The Senators relocated to St. Louis for the 1934–35 season and became the St. Louis Eagles, which folded after one year.
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