Eastern Conference

Ottawa Senators

Pro Hockey Comes to Ottawa: At last. The Senators won't be good, but general manager Pierre Gauthier, who was the Mighty Ducks' assistant general manager until Ottawa hired him in December 1995, is bringing professionalism to this sad-sack organization that finished in last place in its four years in the league. He has a solid coach in Jacques Martin and good assistant coaches in Craig Ramsay and Perry Pearn.

Daigle Dog? When he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Senators in 1993, he was Alexandre the Great. Last season a reporter in Toronto dubbed him Alexandre Dog. But the disappointing Daigle, a center, reported to camp in superb shape and showed no scars from the abuse. He is talented enough to finally have a breakout season.

Redden Ready: If Ottawa doesn't give him too much responsibility too soon, rookie defenseman Wade Redden should be ready to take over this team in three years, about the time young star forwards Alexei Yashin and Daniel Alfredsson reach their primes.