An Early look at Senators Forward Prospects – CHL, Europe, NCAA.

Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the complete draft board after the completion of the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL season has 12 games under its belt right now. With most league’s into the swing of it by now, here’s an early look at the Senators prospects not currently playing at the professional level.

Center

Vincent Dunn (QMJHL) [18GP, 7G, 13P]

A player who has been compared to Chris Neil was suspended on numerous occassions in the QMJHL last season. This year, he’s onto his 3rd consecutive season with a new team. Val d’or to Gatineau to Rimouski, Dunn has never seemed to find a permanent home in the Q.  His point totals, 7 Goals, 5 assists in 18 games are not astounding. What is incredible is his PIM total which comes in at a whopping 68 minutes after 18 games — one can see where the Chris Neil comparisons come from.

Robbie Baillargeon (NCAA) [5GP, 1G, 2P] 

Baillargeon was a top 50 ranked North American skater in 2012 and since has put up two respectable seasons playing at Boston University (former stomping grounds of Eric Gryba and Alex Chiasson). He’s a medium sized skater at 6foot 175, and has recorded a goal and an assist through 5 games. He’ll play the next few seasons at school, and could make his pro debut for Binghamton in a few.

Quentin Shore (NCAA) [5GP, 1G, 5P] 

Quentin Shore comes from a hockey family, brothers Drew and Nick are NHL property and Baker was drafted by the Seattle Thunderbirds as a ’99 birth year player. Quentin was a USA world junior last year, and is currently in his third season at Denver University (Patrick Wiercioch‘s School). Through 5 games this season he has a goal and 4 assists. Shore is a center with potential, and one you should be looking out who could transition to the AHL in a few years.

Left Wing

Oct 31, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center

(90) shoots on goal in the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Paul (OHL)[14GP, 13G, 5P] 

Nick Paul was the 3rd piece in the Jason Spezza trade, as a 2013 draftee he’s heading into his final year of Junior and has impressed thus far. Paul has been a goal per game player, leading a North Bay team to the top of the standings. With 13 Goals, 5 assists in 14 games Paul has been one of the come out of nowhere candidates for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship. Paul is a big man at 6foot3, 220 and has the speed, size, and skill to one day be an NHL player.

Shane Eiserman (NCAA)[6GP, 2G, 3P] 

Eiserman is a decent sized forward, at 6foot2 and 200 lbs; his role on the ice projects to be a more of a 3rd/4th liner type. In 6 games this season playing for University of New Hampshire, Eiserman has put up 2 goals and an assist. Not crazy offensive numbers, but that is not the main part of his game. Look for him to continue at a similar pace throughout the season.

Francis Perron (QMJHL)[15GP, 8G, 18P]

Perron is your typical score or bust winger. He was projected to go in the mid to late rounds at the NHL draft but slid to Ottawa in the 7th. As a former top 10 QMJHL pick he’s managed to score at the Junior level. Playing for Rouyn-Noranda this season he’s put up 18 points in 15 games; good offensive numbers. I like Perron’s game and he had a solid Rookie tournament will be interesting to see what he develops into.

Right Wing

Tobias Lindberg (OHL)[16GP, 8G, 19P] 

Lindberg decided to move from Europe this season and try his luck in the OHL. So far, he’s off to a good start. Lindberg is the only piece Ottawa has from the Ben Bishop trade; and although that trade will always look terrible, Lindberg has a chance to play in the AHL and potentially find an NHL job some day. In 16 games with the Oshawa Generals this season he has 8 goals and 11 assists. The 6foot3 swede has said he needs to bring a more physical aspect to his game, and with that size; potential is there

Chris Leblanc (NCAA)[0GP, 0G, 0P]

Leblanc is another forward with size, at 6foot3 he is an intriguing prospect. He was Ottawa’s 6th round choice in 2013, he doesn’t need an ELC for a few more years due to his School status. His potential has yet to be seen but a few seasons from now the AHL could be a good development league for him. He has yet to play a game with his Merrimack College this season.