What Ottawa Senators Prospects Will Make Their NHL Debuts in 2013-14?

Last season, there were a lot of Senators who either made their NHL debuts or scored their first NHL goal.   Due to the unprecedented number of injuries and the trend of the team to move to a younger, more inexperienced lineup, there were a lot of “firsts” last year.

June 21, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cody Ceci answers a reporter

So, how many players will make their NHL debuts with the Senators this year.   The number will not likely be too high, but there could be some interesting debuts.  Here are my bets for players that will get a shot at some point this season:

Shane Prince – His speed is NHL calibre as is his ability to hang onto the puck.  If his defensive awareness has improved to the point where he can be trusted, as has been reported, he will be among the first players to get the call.

Fredrik Claesson – If Jared Cowen‘s contract squabble extends into the season, there could be a long line of players in the mix for a spot should an injury befall one of the remaining defensemen.  Claesson will be near the front of the line.

Troy Rutkowski – The free agent signee last spring as an overager in the WHL has been a consistent performer, and could move up on the depth chart very quickly.

Cody Ceci – While full-time NHL employment is still a year or two away, no doubt he will be considered for a short-term fill-in should the need arise.

These players will also be fighting with the likes of Stephane Da Costa, Mike Hoffman, Andre Petersson, Mark Stone, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Mark Borowiecki who have all gained various levels of NHL experience and will be in the mix for not only call-up service as well as the couple of open spots on the opening day roster.

So, what do you think:

If there is anyone you think I have missed, please feel free to cast your vote in the comments section below!