Ranking The Top 20 Ottawa Senators Prospects: #20-16
In recent years, the Senators development system has been a very important piece to the team’s success. With players like Robin Lehner, Mike Hoffman, Mark Stone, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Mika Zibanejad all recently graduating from prospect status, the pool may have become depleted.
While the Senators don’t have a great prospect pool, the team will get a shot to replenish some of the system with 3 top 50 picks in this season’s upcoming draft. In terms of where the Sens stand today, here’s the start to a small series which ranks the Senators’ top 20 prospects, before the 2015 NHL entry draft.
20. Alex Guptill
Forward – Binghamton Senators — 2010 3rd round pick (Dallas Stars)
AHL 6foot3 192lbs
Senators fans can only hope for more from Guptill who had a poor season during his first full professional year. Guptill was a big, but sometimes inconsistent scoring forward in the NCAA. Since joining Binghamton as a rookie at age 22 he’s been in consistent and big, but the scoring hasn’t been there.
18 points in 61 games while missing any hopeful flair to his game didn’t cut it and Guptill’s playing time and production suffered. While the promise coming out of College was there, if Guptill doesn’t have a good year in Binghamton, it’s unlikely you’ll see him back with the organization.
If for whatever reason he does indeed play up to his ceiling, here’s what Guptill is said to be able to bring to the table.
From HockeysFuture.com
A big body that quickly impressed Michigan coach Red Berenson with his offensive ability. A terrific goal scorer that exudes offensive potential. He thinks on a high-level and can keep up with talented offensive minds. He goes to the front of the net well and can score on the rush with a quality wrister. A good skater that protects the puck well. Still learning the game and his defensive responsibilities. He has a very projectable frame and could grow into a rather powerful forward down the line.
Of course, the take from Binghamton this past season wasn’t so nice. Guptill received a D in Silver Seven Sens’ Jeff Ulmer’s grades and wasn’t always a fan favourite this past year.
Next: A Big, Swedish Goaltender
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19. Marcus Hogberg
Goaltender – Linköping — 2013 3rd round pick
(Ottawa Senators)
SHL 6foot5 212lbs
Hogberg makes the bottom goaltender of the Senators’ depth chart. Still in Europe, Hogberg has played as a 1b goaltender in the SHL.
A 3rd round pick in 2013, Hogberg also represented Sweden at the World Juniors in 2014. Hogberg is a big goaltender in terms of stature at 6foot5. Of course, he isn’t alone in terms of big goalies on Ottawa as Craig Anderson (6’2″), Robin Lehner (6’3″), Matt O’Connor (6’5″) and Chris Driedger (6’3″) are all “big pieces” in the organization.
While Hogberg doesn’t need an ELC offer extended his way until 2017, the Senators have a goaltender who holds potential to start at the AHL level and if all goes well, the NHL level.
The previously mentioned physical size seems to be a big aspect of his game, which is why he also received the interest he did at the 2013 NHL draft. However, Hogberg is also described as being a mobile goaltender. Goaltending coach, Rick Wamsley stated such back in June 2013 as he was quick to comment about Hogberg’s foot speed over his size.
Although Senators fans may not see him for another few seasons, he’s one to keep in the back of your mind as the Senators’ goaltending situation moves forward.
18. Francis Perron
Forward – Rouyn Norunda Huskies — 2014 7th round pick
(Ottawa Senators)
QMJHL 6foot0 163lbs
Francis Perron was a 2014 7th rounder of the Ottawa Senators. In his two QMJHL seasons, Perron has played at greater than a PPG pace. Considering Perron wasn’t expected to fall to the 7th round, a slide to the Senators at #190 gave the Sens a player who was a touted QMJHL pick.
Perron is listed generously at 6foot0 and 163lbs; certainly an undersized player. His 76 points in 64 games tell us he can play and the scouting reports seem to favour his potential as a scoring forward. Perron agreed with those reports as he gave an interview to Puck Daddy, stating the following when asked about his game
“I’m a skilled forward. I would say my hockey sense is my main strength. I’ve always been known as an offensive player, on the PP and on the first two lines.”
The next step forward for Perron involves another season in the QMJHL. He should lead the Rouyn-Norunda Huskies in scoring (like he came oh so close to doing so this season) and he could see AHL time as early as 2016-17.
Perron is a long term project who has shown he can score at the CHL level. A lot of players have overcome greater odds to play in the NHL and while Perron’s draft status hurts him, don’t rule out any possibilities moving forward.
17. Chris Driedger
Goaltender – Binghamton Senators — 2012 3rd round pick (Ottawa Senators)
AHL 6foot3 220 lbs
Driedger’s first full professional season was one that saw him play just 8 AHL games. He had a nice end to the season as he should be ready to play in the AHL full-time come next season. Of course, the signing of Matt O’Connor gives Driedger someone to compete with come 15-16.
Other lists have had Driedger as high as top 10 in the Senators’ system, but given last year’s performance with an 8-27-4 record and .885 ECHL sv%, Driedger has fallen, especially in this list.
Silver Seven BSens writer, Jeff Ulmer touched on Driedger’s late season play, offering the following on his game.
Shows promise. Really sound positionally squaring up to the shooters and has quick reflexes, while demonstrating he’s a butterfly goaltender at times. Average glove and needs to control his rebounds. Look forward to him getting some Rick Wamsley love next season that did previous wonders for Andrew Hammond. – Jeff Ulmer
At 21 years old, Driedger is still young. He recently completed a very impressive junior career as he was one of the WHL’s top goaltenders in the three years he played there. Moving forward, there is still a chance Driedger gets a shot at the NHL, but that could be quite a ways down the road. Look for him ot backup O’Connor in the AHL this season and have a good developing year.
Next: A Local, defensive prospect playing in the NCAA
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16. Kelly Summers
Defenceman – Clarkson University – 2014 7th round pick (Ottawa Senators)
ECAC 6foot1 197lbs
Summers was a 7th round pick in last year’s draft. His offensive game excelled during his time with the Carleton State Canadiens, but since moving to the NCAA that aspect of his game has taken a hit. However, the transition has been good as Summers was recognized as a 19-year-old, taking Rookie of the week honours in a league with nearly 60 teams and on a young Clarkson team who had a 12-20-5 record this season.
The 10 points through 34 games this years is quite unlike his 60 points in 54 games last year. Although, a new challenge for Summers should only lead to greater things ahead. As a 19-year-old, Summers is among the youngest in the NCAA and given his non CHL draft status, the Senators have until 2018 to extend him an entry level offer.
The adjustment year is over for Summers. With offence being a big weapon to his game, look for him to take the next step in 2015-16, potentially climbing this list next year.
Next: Dave Cameron Signing The Right Move Going Forward