NHL News

True or False: Rumors the Senators Are Moving to Quebec City

Although there are wild rumours that the Ottawa Senators will move to Quebec city, what does Thomas Chabot say is happening with the team?

by
Old Prof
January 28, 2025

Ottawa Senators defenceman Thomas Chabot grew up in Quebec. He’s a proud French-speaking Canadian and quick to defend why his Ottawa Senators team decided to play preseason games in Quebec City. However, that doesn’t mean the decision hasn’t generated a ton of backlash from fans.

In fact, it seems that Chabot felt he had to ensure fans that the Senators weren’t looking to relocate to Quebec City instead of staying in Ottawa. The team wants to build a larger fanbase, and the Quebecois market is naturally part of it. The Senators’ Claude Giroux is another French-speaking native of the Ottawa area. He gets it.

Chabot Felt Forced to Comment About the Preseason Schedule

“There’s nothing behind it on my side,” Chabot explained. “We’re not going anywhere. We love Ottawa. We love playing in Ottawa, and the Canadian Tire Centre is where we want to be. But going to Quebec is just about growing the game, reaching out to a fanbase historically connected to hockey in this region.”

Chabot felt forced to comment after the Senators revealed their plans to hold preseason games in Quebec City. That, surprisingly, stirred up speculation about the possibility of a permanent relocation. Odd, isn’t it that one thing led to another? There’s been no shift in the Senators’ priorities; the team is just looking for more fans. Why not just across the bridge in Quebec?

Chabot quickly clarified that the team’s future remains firmly in Ottawa.

Chabot Is Passionate About the Hockey Market in Quebec

Despite his reassurance, Chabot spoke passionately about the Quebec market. He noted the strong historical connection between the area and hockey, especially with the iconic Nordiques jersey and the passionate fanbase in the region. He hopes the move will reconnect with Quebecois hockey fans and tap into that deep-rooted support.

Thomas Chabot Senators — Thomas Chabot, defenseman for the Ottawa Senators

“Quebec has a rich hockey tradition, and for us, going there allows us to build relationships with younger fans,” Chabot said. “It’s about getting kids excited about the Sens and the game.”

The idea of the Senators engaging with Quebecois fans has been a growing theme for the team in recent years. Chabot highlighted the team’s increased focus on French-language media, with the Senators now airing 80 games on French-language TV stations. For him, that’s an effort that is close to his heart.

“Growing up in Quebec, I watched every game on French TV. Knowing that I’m on that channel for kids back home, it’s huge for me.”

The Senators Have a Bilingual Roster and Leadership Group

Further fueling the speculation, Chabot pointed to the team’s bilingual makeup. The ownership and players like Chabot embrace both languages. “We’re a bilingual team, and I think that matters to the community,” Chabot said. “This is about more than just one preseason game. It’s about connecting with a fanbase and building something long-term.”

Could this be the first step in the Senators’ push to build a more prominent presence in Quebec City? Perhaps, but Chabot insists there’s no hidden agenda. Instead, the emphasis is expanding the team’s fanbase in Quebec and nurturing relationships with younger fans. This suggests the Senators are laying the groundwork for a larger regional footprint.

Relocation to Quebec City Is Unlikely

While relocation remains a distant and unlikely thought, it’s clear that the Senators are looking to secure a deep, lasting connection with fans beyond the capital. Quebec City could be the key to making that happen. Fans will watch closely whether this leads to more preseason games, future events, or even a more prominent presence in the region.