Making The Grade: Colin Greening

COLIN GREENING

Season Review – After an impressive rookie season, Colin Greening was expected to take a step forward, even with a number of rookies ready to step in and take some prime roles.  Greening spent time in almost every role, bouncing around from first to fourth lines and everywhere in between.  He finished with a disappointing 8 goals and 19 points while suiting up for 47 of the Senators’ games.

May 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators center Colin Greening (14) handles the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Playoffs – Greening went pointless in the first round against Montreal, but was part of the best line in the second round, the fourth line with Erik Condra and Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Contract Status – Greening has one year left on his contract, paying him $950K with a cap hit of just under $817K

Importance To Franchise – Its tough to peg exactly where he fits in.  While he has had some success as a scorer alongside Jason Spezza, he is probably destined for a 3rd or 4th line role as the team gets more competitive, or even finding himself in another area code in another jersey.

Needs to Improve – If he wants to be a central figure on the Senators, he needs to make more of his scoring opportunities.

Grade – C…after a solid rookie season, Greening didn’t score at the same pace as he did the previous season, and he doesn’t use his body enough to make him a consistent grinder.