It’s not an “award” so to say, but with any season there are surprises and disappointments. Here’s a look at the player who most requires improvement as voted by you guys, the Ottawa Senators’ fans.
Needs Improvement:
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ALEX CHIASSON (50 VOTES)
Jan 17, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing Alex Chiasson (90) skates with the puck in the third period against he Carolina Hurricanes at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Hurricanes defeated the Senators 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
A 6foot4, power-forward and the only immediate return seen from the Jason Spezza trade. You can understand why Chiasson was voted as the Senators forward who most needs improvement.
He may not be anything more than a 4th liner, and quite frankly, the 26 points Chiasson recorded this season isn’t bad considering his role most of the time. However, the thing that has Senators fans frustrated is the fact that Chiasson didn’t bring anything special to this team in a season that held expectations
The upside for Chiasson was once high as he scored 6 goals through his first 7 NHL games, however after watching him for a full 82 it’s clear as to why many fans don’t consider Chiasson a part of this team’s future. Chiasson is not a great skater and his hands and control of the puck are atrocious on certain nights.
Senshot writer, Zachary Prenner shared many of the same thoughts as the rest of Sens Army.
"This one comes with an asterisk, as he wasn’t a known commodity coming into the season, but as the only NHL ready piece of the Jason Spezza trade. I know I certainly expected more from him."
That’s it. Expectations and the failure to deliver. Alex Chiasson definitely wasn’t the worst Ottawa Senator this season, but given the expectations and the caliber of player Ottawa gave up to get him, Chiasson earns the “needs improvement” title this time around.
Runner-Up:
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JARED COWEN (42 VOTES)
Nov 23, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen (2) skates with the puck against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Cowen may find himself in another team’s sweater come October, simply due to his salary and failure to perform this season. We saw nice stretches, but nothing consistent as it has remained that Jared Cowen has been awful in his own zone with defensive positioning.
He’s making over 3 million dollars in the press-box and given recent quotes regarding his ice-time, you have to question Cowen’s commitment and drive to play for this team. Bryan Murray held onto the fact that Cowen still has potential and given his size, is going to be a “real-good NHL player”. I’d like to think that is true, but hopes are quickly falling for Cowen.
Cowen isn’t here to play offence, and he has been a defensive liability. That’s not good considering his only focus should be defence.
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"Other Votes:BOBBY RYAN (26 VOTES)ROBIN LEHNER (19 VOTES)ERIC GRYBA (13 VOTES)CODY CECI (10 VOTES)CURTIS LAZAR (6 VOTES)"
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I assumed Cowen would take this one, but given the expectations placed on Chiasson, number 90 takes this one with a narrow 8 vote margin. Both of the players have been previously touted and could still (in theory) turn their careers around. It’s that typical frustrating prospect story that seems to be developing and proves how big guys don’t always mean big success in the NHL.
Chiasson is due up as an RFA and Cowen carries an AAV of over 3 million heading into a team wise with it’s cap and needing more space for next season. Don’t be surprised if one of even both of these players move on this summer.