Making The Grade: Mark Borowiecki

MARK BOROWIECKI

Season Review –  Physical defenseman Mark Borowiecki was one of those guys talked about heading into the season as a player who had a shot to get some playing time with the big club, and that is exactly what happened.  With the season opening injury to Mike Lundin, he opened the year on the roster.  He got into 6 games in Ottawa before being sent back down after Lundin made an appearance on the roster.  In those 6 games he went pointless while recording 26 hits, 5 blocked shots and 18 penalty minutes with a +1 rating.  He spent the rest of the season in Binghamton, totalling 14 points in 53 games played, adding a team high 157 penalty minutes. Somewhat surprisingly, he was passed over for promotion when Erik Karlsson went down to injury, seeing Eric Gryba called up instead.

Feb 5, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki (74) in the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Playoffs – Borowiecki was part of the Black Aces squad during the playoffs but didn’t get into the lineup.

Contract Status – Borowiecki completed his entry level deal this season and will be a restricted free agent on July 5th, after receiving a qualifying offer from the Senators.  He is likely to return on another two way contract.

Importance To Franchise – He is a solid depth defenseman, but doesn’t have the earmark of a cornerstone piece of the franchise by any means.

Needs to Improve –  He has the physicality down, he still needs to be more mobile and become significantly better with the puck in order to make himself an everyday NHL player.

Grade – C.  Borowiecki did what he was capable of doing, but at this point what you see is what you get with him.  He will be a solid minor-leaguer who can come up and fill in in the bottom pair in a pinch.