Given the recent odd Ottawa Senators call up of Stephane Da Costa to fill in for the bumbling injured Mark Stone, I’ve selected my top six offense potentials to be in line for the next jump based on this season’s performance for Binghamton. Not taking anything away from Da Costa’s game in the AHL, but it hasn’t transpired as well to the NHL based on Stephane’s four games so far this season including last night playing 10:37 centering the fourth line.
Sep 25, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators centre Stephane Da Costa (24) prior to game against the Montreal Canadiens at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
However, Da Costa is enjoying a productive year for the first place B-Sens with 12 helpers and 37 points in as many games so on paper he appears more than adequate for the jump but it hasn’t panned out that well for the third year pro. The move begs to question about leading scorer and point producer Mike Hoffman (18g 27a 38gms) and his current status with the organization as the 24-year-old will be representing the Binghamton Senators at the exclusive All-Star Classic in St. John’s coming up in February.
Or how about rookie Matt Puempel‘s exploding goal production tied with second year pro Cole Schneider‘s 14, good behind Hoff’s team leading 18. Maybe give Jim O’Brien (6g 10a 31gms) another crack at it seeing he’s making NHL money playing in the AHL. Perhaps the surging Andre Petersson and the quiet year he’s having scoring 15 goals while adding 10 assists in 32 games.
Let’s not forget Shane Prince as well as the sophomore is struggling a bit but continues to work hard on improving this season potting 8 with 12 assists in 34 contests.
So let’s do a poll to see what you the fans think.