Paul Bittner A Possibility In Draft If Senators Seek A Forward
By Jack Leiper
Prospect Profile: Paul Bittner
Birthplace: Crookston, Minnesota
Birthdate: April 10h, 1997
Position: Left Wing
Height/Weight: 6foot4, 194 lbs
2014-15 Statline: 66GP 34G 37A 71P
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Scout Rankings: #17 by ISS Hockey, #24 by Future Considerations
#20 by McKeen’s Hockey, #26 by Central Scouting
What the Reports Say:
Lawson Crouse will be the most sought-after power forward heading into the draft. Crouse has held potential to be a top 5 pick from the start of the season. A little further down the list is a player with a similar stature to Crouse, and he has better numbers.
Paul Bittner played in the much more scoring friendly Western Hockey league this season, placing third on his team as a 17-year-old by nearly putting up 35 goals in his second season. Size is the big draw to Bittner, who played most of the season alongside WHL leading scorer and Blue Jackets third rounder, Oliver Bjorkstrand.
In terms of scouting reports, size is always the big draw to Bittner’s game as stated by many scouting profiles around the web. Elite Prospects’ Joe Curtis offered his thoughts towards Bittner.
"Relentless on the forecheck and is able to bully his way to the net with his size and speed. Has a good stick around the net and has an accurate rocket of a shot. Thinks the game well and is able to frustrate opposing players while playing physically"
As a fan of the NHL, you can’t help but realize the success of big guys in the game, but with a movement of exciting, young, and small players taking the league by storm, perhaps sheer size isn’t as much an evaluator. Of course, I’m talking about guys like John Gaudreau and Tyler Johnson, both had incredible seasons.
A Fit In Ottawa?
The Senators don’t have the type of depth on the left side as they do the right. Mark Stone is a young, powerful forward who should fill the right side along with Bobby Ryan for quite a while. The left side, however is mainly highlighted by Mike Hoffman and Clarke MacArthur. Matt Puempel is a promising prospect with the potential to score goals in the NHL, but if the Senators are seeking a forward, it’s likely down the left side.
Bittner is your typical power forward. He is american and has known to play with testosterone and truculence. One can see the possible ties to Calgary and Brian Burke.
If Ottawa is looking for a forward, Bittner may be one of the best available when the Senators select at #18. Don’t rule out the possibility, Bryan Murray has liked developing big players and forwards.
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