Training Camp Coming to a Wrap, High Hopes for the Ottawa Senators ahead.

Sens news from training camp came in at a snail-like pace last week as the pre-season schedule took a week-long break for the Senators. Ottawa is set to play their fifth Pre-season game tonight (Preview Here). With fans and players becoming anxious for the start of the regular season, Ottawa looks to hop into the season with high hopes of a playoff birth ahead.

Roster Cuts

In the biggest cut of the off-season, Ottawa reduced their training camp roster by 21 players. Notables being Carter Camper, Andrew Hammond, Derek Grant, and Patrick Mullen; all who had to clear waivers. Ottawa released F Nick Palmieri from his PTO and assigned Invitees Brad Mills, Brandon Wong, and Guillaume Lepine to AHL Binghamton.

Guillaume Lepine, a 6’5 Defenseman played for the Evansville Icemen of the ECHL last season. Coincidentally, the Senators announced affiliation with the franchise earlier this summer. If Ottawa decides they like the game of Lepine enough to offer him a contract he could be back in Evansville, or potentially in Binghamton.

Full details can be viewed through the Senators website here

Still fighting for a Spot

Curtis Lazar, Buddy Robinson, Matt Puempel, and Frederik Claesson still find themselves up in the big boy training camp. While the numbers game is soon to crack down on those who won’t play next year in the NHL, the aforementioned players are taking every chance to prove to the organization what their game brings and how they can contribute in the NHL.

Matt Puempel has seemed to be the most interesting as of late. He’s going to get a chance on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Alex Chiasson tonight. Milan Michalek was nursing an injury last week, and although the severity seems to be minor at this point if it is something that ails Michalek throughout the year; Matt Puempel may see NHL minutes.

Fan Fest

The high point last week came in the form of Ottawa Senators Fan Fest. A scrimmage and meet and greet with the players were highlights of the event, a good time by all was had. We even got a glimpse as to what Eric Gryba does in his free time with his Duck Call business, Capital Waterfowling via this CTV interview: