Lars Eller’s one-year, $1.25 million contract signing with the Ottawa Senators on July 1 marks a subtle but meaningful upgrade for the team. Though it passed quietly among fans in Bytown, this addition promises to bring crucial leadership and valuable Stanley Cup experience to a blossoming Senators roster.
A Rare Danish Presence on the Senators Roster
Eller becomes only the fourth Danish player ever to represent the Ottawa Senators, joining compatriot Mads Sogaard as one of two Danes currently in the organization. He follows Peter Regin, who played five seasons in Ottawa between 2008 and 2012, and Mikkel Boedker, who spent parts of two campaigns with the team from 2018 to 2020. Notably, Eller and Boedker were hockey teammates as teenagers, and Eller will take over Boedker’s jersey number 89—a number that holds personal significance since 1989 is Eller’s birth year. Another Danish player, Fabian Zetterlund, now wears Eller’s longtime number 20.
Lars Eller’s Pioneering NHL Career as a Dane
Among all Danish players who have graced the NHL, Eller clearly stands out. Having appeared in over 1,100 NHL games, he is the first Dane to reach the 1,000-game milestone. His career, spanning more than 16 seasons, is the longest of any Danish-born player, making him a true trailblazer from his country in the league.
The Only Danish Stanley Cup Champion
Eller holds the unique distinction of being the sole Danish player to win the Stanley Cup, capturing the title with the Washington Capitals in 2018. He not only has his name engraved on hockey’s most coveted trophy but also scored the decisive goal in Game 5 of the finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, clinching the championship. His championship experience bolsters an Ottawa locker room eager to develop its young talent. Eller joins fellow Stanley Cup winners Michael Amadio, David Perron, and Nick Cousins on the team, all key figures expected to mentor the club’s rising stars.
“I think you have to have the right mix of really good young players and have some veterans they can lean on a little bit. And I think I can be one of those guys. I know they have a couple already with (Claude) Giroux and Perron that I know a little bit. I think you need a little bit of everything, and I can provide some of that. I think it’s going to be really good. I’m really looking forward to this challenge.”
—Lars Eller, Forward
Hockey Heritage Runs Deep in Eller’s Family
Lars Eller’s passion for hockey is part of a family tradition. His father, Olaf Eller, played for the Danish national men’s team and later coached in Denmark’s top professional league, known today as the Metal Ligaen. Olaf now works as a color commentator for several Danish broadcasters. Hockey talent also extends to Lars’ siblings: his younger brother Mads pursued seasons in the ECHL and Sweden’s professional leagues and represented Denmark at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship. Meanwhile, his half-brother Michael Smidt spent 17 seasons with the Rodovre Mighty Bulls in Denmark, captaining the team for six years before retiring in 2014.
The Origin of Eller’s Nickname “The Tiger”
Eller earned his nickname, “The Tiger,” during a motivational seminar organized by the Washington Capitals in collaboration with Tony Robbins. When Robbins asked the players to identify their spirit animals, Eller instantly replied “Tiger,” which amused his teammates and stuck as his moniker. Although teammate T.J. Oshie jokingly nicknamed him “Horse/Moose,” “The Tiger” remains the enduring and favored nickname among peers and fans.
Why Eller Chose to Join the Senators
When asked why he signed with Ottawa, Eller applauded the Senators’ competitive attitude, calling them a “pain in the ass” to face. He noted that their consistent improvement had made them a genuine playoff contender and that he saw further growth potential in the squad’s core players.
“Over the last couple of years, every time I played against Ottawa, they’ve been a pain in the ass to play against. I feel like they’ve been getting better and better. I think they took another step this year to become a playoff team, and I still think that there’s room for growth with them. I think their best players are going to continue to keep getting better. So, I think they have been moving and [are] going to move in the right direction, so that was certainly appealing to me.”
—Lars Eller, Forward
“But I also wanted to be on a competitive team, and I also do feel like Ottawa really wanted me. It was an important spot for me, an important role to fill.”
—Lars Eller, Forward
Steve Staios, the Senators’ president of hockey operations and general manager, highlighted Eller’s appeal from the team’s perspective, describing him as a high-character veteran who can adapt and contribute in various roles around the lineup.
“We had our sights set on a certain individual, and it was Lars… another veteran with experience (and) a high‑character individual that can move around the lineup.”
—Steve Staios, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager
What Eller Brings to the Senators’ Young Core
Although Eller’s career has never been marked by flashy point totals, his enduring qualities lie in his stability, leadership, and clutch performances. At 36, as he approaches the twilight of his career, his presence is vital for the Senators, offering steady guidance both on the ice and behind the scenes. His Stanley Cup-winning pedigree and veteran insight give Ottawa’s young and talented roster a seasoned mentor to lean on as they strive toward playoff contention. Fans can expect to hear the crowd rallying with chants of “Tiger” as Eller’s influence grows within the team’s dressing room and community.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Lars eller?
A. After finishing the 2024-25 season with the Capitals, Eller became a free agent with no restrictions. His last contract was a two-year deal, signed with the Penguins in 2023. The Capitals got Eller back from the Penguins last November by trading two draft picks. Eller is remembered for scoring the franchise’s only Stanley Cup-winning goal.
Q. How good is Lars Eller?
A. Eller has scored 14 points, taken 52 shots, made 30 hits, and blocked 18 shots in 37 games this season. He also has 22 penalty minutes and a minus-5 rating. Unless there are many injuries, he probably won’t play above the third line.