Ottawa Senators Prospect Month: Stephane Da Costa

December is prospect Month at SenShot, where we will be looking at a different player in the Senator’s system each day, whether it be in the AHL, CHL, NCAA or Europe.

Today, we look at a player who came in with much hoopla, but has been largely forgotten with the influx of young talent in the system.

Name: Stephane Da Costa

Current Team: Binghamton Senators, AHL

Position: C

Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent March 31, 2011

HIS SEASON SO FAR:  The first part of Da Costa’s season has been marred by injury.  He suited up for just 6 of the clubs first 18 games.  He returned this past Sunday after a month off with a bang, netting a hat trick to bring his season total to 6GP, 3G, 1A 4PTS.  With Binghamton playing spectacular hockey and new contributors stepping up every night, Da Costa could be a key piece in the puzzle

PROSPECT STATUS : Da Costa has some learning to do in the minors, and the jury is still out whether or not he will be a bona fide NHLer, despite the bidding war for his services coming out of college.  The Senators newfound depth at centre as well as his diminuative size that would prohibit him from making a smooth transition to the wing might limit his opportunities in the Senators organization

WHEN TO EXPECT HIM:  He might have to move to a different organization to see quality NHL time.  Otherwise he might be a career minor leaguer who gets the odd call up as an injury replacement.