Ottawa Senators Fighting For A Spot In Training Camp
Feb 3, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman
Cody Ceci(5) takes the ice for player introductions against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
With training camps opening around the NHL tomorrow, NHL clubs will be evaluating their talent and setting rosters for the season to be in 2014-15.
The Ottawa Senators enter camp with a lot of questions on their plate. From the 8 “NHL ready” defenseman, to the Center position up front. Here is a list of the Ottawa Senators players competing for a spot in training camp.
Marc 16, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center
Mika Zibanejad(93) during warmup prior to game against Colorado Avalanche at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
1. Mika Zibanejad
Coming off a year where Zibanejad scored over 15 goals and 30 points, Zibanejad will have an opportunity to compete for a 2nd line center role on the Ottawa Senators.
With pressure from veteran center David Legwand, Zibanejad needs to come into camp with a good attitude and a higher compete level.
Last year, we saw Zibanejad cut from Ottawa after he came into training camp “expecting a role”. Ottawa saw a higher compete and want from Stephane Da Costa, and the contract situations worked out such that no player had to be waived, for the time being.
It’s very rare and unlikely we see a situation similar to last year’s training camp cut, but Zibanejad still does not require waivers.
It’s been said Zibanejad has added weight and size to his game this off-season. With an already big body (6’2, 211 lbs), Zibanejad will be able to showcase his size come training camp.
Competing Role: 2nd Line Center
Dec 16, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) controls the puck in the third period against the St. Louis Blues at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Blues 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
2. Cody Ceci
Cody Ceci was a surprise call-up, last year. The call up came after Jared Cowen was suspended and Marc Methot was nursing an injury. Ceci played a simplified game and got used to the NHL level last year. This year he’s only 1 of 8 “NHL ready” Senators defensemen with a 2-way contract.
A recent quote from Senators Assistant General Manager Pierre Dorion reveals the teams admire for Ceci:
Barring a surprise, I think it’s safe to say he (Ceci) will be on our team
Ceci has been compared to a player like Brent Seabrook in Chicago, with a high ceiling.
It’s safe to say that he may be pushed aside in Senators prospect talk with the hype surrounding Curtis Lazar. However, Ceci has incredible potential to become a solid Top 4 defenseman, with an offensive upside.
The Senators defensive core is wide open. Ceci, Karlsson, and Wiercioch are all considered “Puck movers” and although that side of Ceci’s NHL game may have not quite developed fully, the balance between puck movers and stay at home guys is valuable to NHL clubs; and Ottawa has a good balance of both.
Ceci can take a spot as high as the second pairing, with powerplay time. Paul Maclean will “flip-flop” guys throughout the lineup all season, this we know. It is up to Ceci as to where he plays this season. Whether it’s in a prominent NHL role or not.
Competing Role: 2nd pairing D-man
Feb 27, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center
Mike Hoffman(68) shot Detroit Red Wings goalie
Jonas Gustavsson(50) hits the post during the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Red Wings defeated the Senators 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
3. Mike Hoffman
Bryan Murray has said it “He is never going to clear through waivers”, so he’ll see a spot on the NHL club.
Right now Mike Hoffman is slotted into a 3rd/4th line energy role by most, with David Legwand, Mark Stone, Mika Zibanejad, And/or Alex Chiasson as his likely suitors on a 3rd or 4th line.
Hoffman is a flashy player, he has hands and speed. The latter is the most evident in his game and yet he has not found how to score at a consistent pace in the NHL.
He’s not a checker, so he’ll need to find a way to score in the role he’ll be provided. Hoffman tallied 3 goals and 3 assists in 25 NHL games last year, and will be looked at to provide some consistent scoring; especially if he’s given PP time again.
Competing Role: 3rd Line Left Wing.
4. Mark Stone vs Alex Chiasson
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I place these two together as they are competing for the same spot, in almost identical situations.
Chiasson may have a little more NHL experience and time, but both scored at a similar pace last year and both are highly touted prospects by the organization.
Both bring size to training camp. At 6 foot 3, Mark Stone has everything it takes to be a secondary scorer in the NHL. He’s worked on his skating the past few years and it has really come a long way.Alex Chiasson is listed at 6 foot 4 and in being the main piece brought back in the Jason Spezza trade, he may be given a better look over Stone just for sheer marketing purposes.
This one is really up in the air. I’d love to see both in scoring roles and I think it is possible to make that happen. However, knowing Paul Maclean’s system it’s likely we see a third line assembled of 14-15-25, and then a 4th line “energy line”.
One of these guys is going to get a shot in the Top 6 and they will be rotated, It’s just a matter of which one steps up come training camp.
Competing Role: Top 6 Right Wing