Chris Wideman, a fourth-round pick by the Ottawa Senators in the 2009 NHL Draft, retired from the League on Sept. 17, 2024, after six seasons. He had 78 points (20 goals, 58 assists) in 291 regular-season games for the Senators, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers and Montral Canadiens, including an NHL career-high 27 points (four goals, 23 assists) in 64 games with the Canadiens in 2021-22. His four points (one goal, three assists) in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games helped Ottawa reach Game 7 of the 2017 Eastern Conference Final, a 3-2 double-overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The 2022-23 season was Wideman's last as an active player. He had six assists in 46 games for Montreal and did not play in 2023-24 because of a back injury.

The aggravation of an injury to Chris Phillips at the beginning of training camp in unexpectedly opened up a spot on the Senators defense. And Wideman quickly filled it. Even before the spot opened up, the organization had shown its belief in him by signing the skilled defenseman, who had yet to play an NHL game, to a contract rather than have him potentially walk away as a free agent.

Wideman had the necessary credentials during a compelling third complete season for Binghamton of the American Hockey League. His 61 points were the most by a defenseman, he earned selection to the Eastern Conference team for the All-Star Game, and was awarded the prestigious Eddie Shore Trophy as the top defenseman in the AHL.

After Wideman was drafted by the Senators, he played four seasons at the minor-pro level, a five-game stint with Elmira of the East Coast Hockey League, and the rest of the time trying to get noticed at Binghamton.

Establishing himself as a dependable option, hinting at better things ahead during his first season with the Senators, Wideman had 13 points in 64 games, operating mainly on the third defense pairing.

Wideman, who played four years at Miami (Ohio) University, finished his college career with 12 goals and 95 points in 163 games and, as a senior, had the opportunity to play alongside his younger brother Alex, who was a freshman. Chris helped Miami win its first CCHA tournament victory and earn two trips to the Frozen Four. In 2009, the RedHawks reached the national championship game, losing 4-3 in overtime to Boston University.