Senators by the Numerals: LV

Senators by the Numerals continues with a look at LV as no one has ever worn LIV for the Senators.

Brad Miller D 1992-1993

Born in Edmonton in 1969, Miller was drafted 22^nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1987 after a successful junior career with the Regina Pats of the WHL. A rugged, 6'4" defenseman, Miller spent parts of six seasons in the NHL while playing primarily in the AHL and IHL. He was claimed by Ottawa from Buffalo in the 1992 Expansion Draft. In February 1993, he was traded to the Maple Leafs from the Senators for Toronto's ninth round pick (Pavol Demitra) in the 1993 Draft. What a steal that would have been if the Sens had held onto Demitra. He finished his pro career with the Utah Grizzlies of the IHL in 1999-00. No idea what he's been doing since then.

Dmitri Filimonov D 1993-1994

Born in Perm, Soviet Union in 1971, Filimonov was drafted 49^th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1991. Despite being drafted by the Jets, he stayed in Russia, playing for Dynamo Moscow. In 1993, his rights were traded to the Senators for Ottawa's fourth round pick (Ruslan Batyrshin) in the 1993 draft. He split the 1993-94 season between Ottawa and the NHL team's AHL affiliate in P.E.I. He played one more season with P.E.I. before spending a season each in the IHL and Finland. In 1997, he returned to Europe and played for his hometown team, Molot-Prikamje Perm, until his retirement in 2006.

Alexei Kaigorodov C 2006-2007

Born in Chelyabinsk, Soviet Union in 1983, Kaigorodov was drafted 47^th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2002. He turned pro with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Russian Super League in 2001 and spent five seasons with the team. In 2006, he moved to North America, in hopes of launching his NHL career. He made the Senators out of training camp, but was sent to Binghamton early in the season. He refused to report and instead left for Russia resuming his role with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Suspended by the Senators in November 2006, his rights were traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for centre Mike Comrie. Instead of joining the Coyotes, he remained with Magnitogorsk. He stayed until the 2012-13 season, when he joined Salavat Yulayev Ufa for whom he currently plays.

Brian Lee D 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010

Born in Moorhead, Minnesota in 1987, Lee made a name for himself as a teenager with the Lincoln Stars. Fresh off being awarded the prestigious Minnesota Mr. Hockey as the most outstanding senior hockey player in Minnesota, Lee was drafted ninth overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, ahead of Anze Kopitar (as well as six other NHL All-Stars). While the #55 wasn't kind to him, Lee fared better after switching to #5 when Sergei Gonchar joined the team. For years fans could not move past Lee's high draft place and his disappointing play. But in 2011-12, attitudes began to change. Lee worked his way into the lineup and provided reliable, if unspectacular defense before being swapped for another fan target Matt Gilroy. In May 2013, Lee suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament which required surgery, and has been on the long-term injured reserve list since.

Sergei Gonchar D 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013

Born in Chelyabinsk, Soviet Union in 1974, Gonchar was drafted 14^th overall by the Washington Capitals in 1992. Gonchar began his North American career and quickly established himself as an offensive threat from the blue line. The five-time All-Star has put up 50 or more points eight times in his career. He twice represented Russia at the Olympics, winning silver in 1998 and bronze in 2002. He met his future wife, Xenia Smetanenko, a figure skater for Armenia, at the Nagano Olympic Games. He won the Stanley Cup in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Between the years 2000 and 2009, Gonchar was second only to Niklas Lidstrom in term of offensive production from a defenseman. On July 1, 2010, Gonchar signed a 3-year deal with the Senators for $16 million. While underwhelming during his first year with the team, Gonchar was a reliable and productive veteran defender during his time with the Senators. Gonchar was traded to the Dallas Stars in June 2013 for a conditional sixth round draft pick.

Best LV: Sergei Gonchar

Gonchar is one of Ottawa's best free agent signings ever (it's not exactly a deep pool). He provided another offensive option on Ottawa's blue line while successfully employing his patented crosscheck across an opponent's back while defending. When Erik Karlsson went down with injury last season, Gonchar boosted his offensive output to help fill the void.

Worst LV: Brian Lee

Lee may never have been as bad as he seemed to the majority of Sens fans but it's hard to argue he was ever more than a spare defenseman. Given multiple opportunities to succeed, he never lived up to expectations. He did have slightly more success wearing #5 though.

Who wore the toga best?