Artem Zub opens up about Ottawa’s leadership, his tough practices with Tkachuk, and his battles against NHL superstars (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Artem Zub has steadily emerged as one of the Ottawa Senators’ most dependable defensemen since arriving from the KHL. His game isn’t flashy, but his combination of defensive awareness, physicality, and smart decision-making makes him a crucial piece of the team’s blue line. Whether breaking up an odd-man rush or making a simple yet effective first pass out of the zone, Zub’s reliability has earned him the trust of both teammates and coaches.
The Senators have been building toward sustained success, and Zub’s presence provides much-needed stability in their defensive structure. As the team continues to push for playoff contention, his ability to neutralize opponents and contribute in all situations has made him an invaluable asset. His growth as a player has been shaped by both his international experience and the influence of key figures in the NHL, setting the stage for his continued impact in Ottawa.
The Brady Tkachuk Effect
The Ottawa Senators have a strong leadership group that’s crucial to their team dynamics. According to Artem Zub, the group of captains and experienced players—Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, Claude Giroux, David Perron, and Travis Hamonic—really sets the tone. Zub notes how these leaders are vocal in the locker room and contribute significantly to the team's overall atmosphere. Newcomer Nick Cousins has also made an impact, even though he's not a first-line player. His presence helps keep the team spirit high.
“Captain [Brady] Tkachuk, [Thomas] Chabot, [Claude] Giroux, [David] Perron, [Travis] Hamonic. They are the leaders, they talk more in the locker room. [Nick] Cousins is also here now — and although he is not a first-line player, he’s a great guy in the locker room. Overall, we have a good team, there are definitely no passengers here. When traveling, we often go to dinner with the whole team, we don’t break up into small groups.”
Zub also points out that the team has a unique bond, often spending time together outside of hockey. He mentions how, when traveling, the group tends to stick together, going to dinner as one unit rather than splitting into smaller groups. This unity is key to creating an environment where everyone feels involved and valued, contributing to the strong sense of camaraderie that the Senators seem to have built.
Another interesting aspect of the team’s leadership style is the intensity they bring to practice. Zub recalls how Tkachuk pushed him just as hard during their first preseason together as he would during an actual game. This speaks to the commitment and work ethic within the team, where no one takes a day off, regardless of the setting.
“During my first NHL first preseason, Tkachuk played hard against me in training; just as hard as he would in a game against opponents.”
Zub goes on to clarify that while Tkachuk’s tough approach to training was challenging at first, it was a sign of his leadership. Though the two may have had their differences early on, especially with the long preseason due to COVID restrictions, Zub respects Tkachuk’s commitment to the team's success. He acknowledges that Tkachuk’s behavior as a captain involves taking on more responsibility, not just for his own performance, but for ensuring that the team stays on track.
“In life, he’s a normal, kind guy. As a captain, he takes on more responsibility so that everything is good with the team. But when I first arrived [to Ottawa] and we had a long preseason because of COVID, he was as intense as it gets.”
Since then, Tkachuk has shown himself to be a commendable captain; having gained the respect of Zub and the rest of the members of the Ottawa Senators.
Their connection highlights the strong culture developing within the Senators’ locker room. As Zub continues to grow as a key member of Ottawa’s defensive unit, his reliability and leadership will be integral in shaping the team’s future. With his steady play and quiet confidence, he remains one of the most underrated pieces of the Senators’ long-term success.
Tim Stützle: Potential Superstar?
Tim Stützle has rapidly developed into one of the most electrifying young forwards in the NHL. His combination of speed, skill, and creativity makes him a constant threat on the ice, capable of turning a routine shift into a highlight-reel moment. Since being drafted third overall in 2020, he has taken on an increasingly important role for the Senators, showing flashes of brilliance that suggest he could be the franchise’s next superstar. His ability to create plays, finish scoring chances, and control the pace of the game has already made him a fan favorite in Ottawa.
Zub sees the potential in Stützle to reach the highest level in the game, saying:
While Stützle’s offensive talent is undeniable, his growth will be determined by his ability to refine the mental side of his game. The passion and intensity he brings can be both an asset and a challenge, as emotional control is crucial for taking the next step into superstardom.
“For him to reach the level of a superstar, he’s going to need to mature and learn from a strong coach, concluded Zub. “But he has all the tools to achieve great things in hockey.”
With experience and strong coaching, he has the tools to become one of the league’s premier forwards. If he continues on his current trajectory, the Senators may soon have one of the NHL’s elite players leading their charge back to playoff contention.
Going Up Against the NHL’s Best
Zub has faced some of the league’s top players, and he knows just how tough it is to contain them. Each superstar presents a different kind of challenge, but he’s learned how to adjust his game accordingly.
Zub has faced some of the league’s top players, and he knows just how tough it is to contain them. Each superstar presents a different kind of challenge, but he’s learned how to adjust his game accordingly.
“It’s never easy, but every elite player has their own style. MacKinnon is obviously fast, but he’s also not afraid to get physical, and his shot is lethal. You can’t separate him from Makar, either. Colorado’s power play is incredible, and Makar is a defenseman who scores like a forward. It’s wild.”
Then there’s Connor McDavid, who might be the hardest player in the league to defend.
Zub also knows the dangers of Leon Draisaitl’s shot and passing ability.
“Even though Draisaitl and McDavid play on different lines at five-on-five, you can’t give him space. His shot is unreal, especially from tough angles,” continued Zub. “The curve on his stick reminds me of Datsyuk—he can pick corners from spots where most guys wouldn’t even try.”
He’s also had his fair share of battles with Nikita Kucherov.
“Kuch isn’t as fast as those guys, but his hockey IQ is through the roof.
He slows the game down, pulls defenders out of position, and then finds the perfect pass. His go-to move is drawing in a couple of guys, waiting for his teammates to open up, and then threading the puck through to create an odd-man situation,” explained Zub. “Defending against him is just as much about the forwards making the right reads as it is the defensemen.”
Facing Russian legends like Kucherov and Alex Ovechkin still feels surreal to Zub, especially since he grew up watching them.
“It’s crazy to think about sometimes. I was a teenager when Ovechkin was already dominating the NHL. I was never huge on PlayStation, but back in Russia, everyone my age looked up to those guys. Now I’m playing against them, and when you manage to shut them down, it’s a great feeling.”
Igor Rabiner has written for Sport-Express, the biggest Russian sports website, since 1994. He has covered seven FIFA World Cups, seven Winter Olympics, and three Summer Olympics. He is the author of 28 books with total sales of over 500,000 copies. He won an AIPS Sport Media Award for best column and interviewed exclusively Pele, Wayne Gretzky, Franz Beckenbauer, Alex Ovechkin and many other soccer, ice hockey, and tennis superstars. From 2016 to 2021, he has regularly contributed to the Russian version of NHL.com. Has contributed to The Guardian, British soccer magazine The Blizzard, and other world publications. One of the authors of the encyclopedia 'Kings of Ice," which came out in North America in 2002. From 2013 to 2021, Rabiner was a co-owner and teacher in a private sports journalism school in Russia. He has 56,500 followers on X and over 25,000 readers on Telegram, Facebook and Instagram.
