Ranking The Top 20 Ottawa Senators Prospects: #20-16
By Jack Leiper
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