Post NHL Draft: Top 10 Ottawa Senators Prospects
Here’s the final part to the top 20 prospects list, post NHL draft. The top 10 is highlighted by a pair of 2015 1st rounders as Thomas Chabot and Colin White project to be fairly solid NHL players.
First, a note: I did my rankings before writing all the prospect profiles and went off of Hockey’s Future’s prospect criteria. When I originally ranked them, I included Curtis Lazar as a prospect, not realizing that his 67 games of NHL experience removed him from prospect critera and considered him “graduated”
So, although Lazar was originally supposed to be ranked #1, he’s removed from the list and #11 is bumped up to #10. Kicking off the list:
10. Gabriel Gagné
Forward – Victoriaville Tigres — 2015 2nd Round Pick
QMJHL 6foot5 187lbs
Gagné’s stats were rather impressive this season as he tallied 35 goals in the QMJHL as an 18-year-old. While the Senators don’t have a great history in drafting players from Victoriaville (cough cough Daigle cough), Gagné will look to turn that history around.
He was an off the board pick that the Senators traded up to select as the organization clearly assessed a target. He projects to be a scorer, and it won’t be known if he can play at the NHL level for a few more seasons, but he’s certainly trending that way.
He’s big, and at 6foot5, he has the frame. He’ll need to add more weight, but could be a very good and big winger in the NHL in just a few seasons.
Next: #9: Ottawa's Memorial Cup Winner
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9. Tobias Lindberg
Forward – Binghamton Senators — 2013 4th Round Pick
QMJHL 6foot3 198lbs
Written on June 12th:
Senators prospects are coming off two consecutive memorial cup wins. Curtis Lazar took home the trophy with the Oil Kings in 2013-14, and Lindberg won it this past may with his Oshawa Generals.
The Senators scouted Lindberg and were lucky enough to secure him in the 4th round of the 2013 NHL entry draft. His game brings size and speed as Lindberg’s OHL stats certainly prove he could play in a top 6 NHL role.
Of course, the big evaluator comes next season as Lindberg is scheduled to play in Binghamton and the AHL, a big step up and much closer to the NHL. While a 19/20 year-old can dominate at the CHL level, sometimes the transition isn’t so easy. A prime example would be the WHL scoring leader from the 13-14 season. Mitch Holmberg had 62 goals and 118 points in 78 WHL games, but struggled mightily in not just the AHL, but the ECHL, putting up 14 points in 32 games.
But, if you’re buying what Lindberg has sold in the OHL; his game might make a good transition. The scouting reports seem to favour his game, mixing size and speed as the ultimate tools to play in an NHL team’s top 6.
One profile from McKeen’s hockey’s Brendan Ross, discusses the previously mentioned.
“Skating at 6-foot-2, the Stockholm native is a powerful winger who shows good physicality. He won’t dangle through defenders but his speed and ability to drive wide and to the net are difficult to contain. Lindberg projects as a complementary forward for the Generals and will be looking to impress the Senators to earn an entry-level contract.”
Luckily for the Senators, they have until 2017 to extend an ELC offer to Lindberg. He’s certainly shown he’s ready to move to the AHL and if one can be negotiated this off-season, expect him in a Binghamton Senators jersey come October.
Next: #8: A Czech Center Projects To Be Steady
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8. Filip Chlapik
Forward –Charlottetown Islanders — 2015 2nd Round Pick
QMJHL 6foot0 194lbs
Chlapik is a 2nd round pick who holds a very high upside at the NHL level. He’s a scorer, and it has been noted that he’s also very solid away from the puck.
That said, he projects as a strong two-way center at the NHL level. He’s 194 pounds at 6foot0, but needs to add some muscle and strength according to numerous scouting reports:
A center who works good in both zones. Uses his stick very effective to interrupt passes and has a good positioning game, seems to be always where the puck will head to. Great ability to dig out pucks from board battles with his good stickwork. He backchecks well and fulfills his defensive responsibilities. Tries to be physical but lacks strength. Needs to improve his shot and overall is lacking strength, also needs to use his shot more often. – Elite Prospects
Chlapik had 33 goals in the QMJHL this season, and was second on his team in scoring, just behind Pittsburgh Penguins 2015 2nd rounder, Daniel Sprong.
Chlapik’s rankings at this previous draft saw him slotted right around where Ottawa took him. This makes Chlapik a reliable pick and a good building piece for the future. What’s more is that his import status makes him eligible for the AHL sooner than regular CHL players.
Look for Chlapik to light up Binghamton in the coming years..
Next: #7: Projects To Be A Steady Defender
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7. Andreas Englund
Defenceman –Djurgården — 2014 2nd round pick (Ottawa Senators)
SHL 6foot3 198lbs
Written on June 12th:
Englund was Ottawa’s top draft choice in the 2014 draft after the team traded their first round selection to the Anaheim Ducks in the Bobby Ryan deal. Englund has many of the same qualities as fellow Sens prospect Fredrik Claesson, and each could show up in the NHL over the next few seasons.
Taken at 40th overall, Englund was a pick that surprised Senators management when he was still on the board. It was widely reported that the Senators were also looking to trade into the top 30 of last year’s draft, a move that asst. GM Pierre Dorion would have done to choose Englund.
Still just 19, Englund played with men in Sweden’s highest league and was a world junior this year, although he wasn’t a big piece on team Sweden’s roster.
Overall, Englund is a responsible player. Think Marc Methot for a current Senators comparison. Just a steady, simple defender who plays an intelligent and important game.
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6. Matt O’Connor
Goaltender – Boston University — Free Agent Signing (Ottawa Senators)
NCAA 6foot5 204lbs
Written on June 22nd:
O’Connor was one of the NCAA’s premier free agents available and the Senators were able to snag him by extending a 2-year entry level offer this summer. O’Connor is a big man at 6foot5 and holds promise to one day play in the NHL. He’s got some things to work on and is expected to play in Binghamton to compete for the starting role there along with Chris Driedger.
The reports on O’Connor talk a lot about his size, which is a nice benefit in today’s NHL, but they also talk movement and mobility. From HockeysFuture.com:
One of the attributes that makes O’Connor so attractive to NHL teams is his 6’5” and 204-pound frame. He possesses great athleticism and moves remarkably well for such a big netminder. O’Connor has blossomed into one of the nation’s most reliable goaltenders, demonstrating that he can not only keep his teams in games but also help win them. O’Connor is a goaltender who gets better with the more shots that he faces.
O’Connor will certainly get a shot in the NHL at some point. The most prominent comparison to O’Connor’s game is that of current Tampa goaltender and former Senator, Ben Bishop. Both for their stature and career path to the NHL, O’Connor has a shot to be a reliable starter in the NHL in the near future.
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5. Nick Paul
Forward – Brampton Battalion — 2013 4th round pick (Dallas Stars)
OHL 6foot4 196lbs
Written on June 22nd:
Perhaps the most intriguing piece from the Jason Spezza trade, Nick Paul is ready to make the step to the AHL. As an OHLer, Paul was a late bloomer who was not selected in his first year of OHL draft eligibility. It was after he shot up in height that he garnered attention, leading to a Battalion selection in 2012 and an NHL selection the year after in Dallas.
Paul was a world-junior this past year and played a big role on a Battalion team who went far in the OHL playoffs for the second straight year. While Paul was able to mix offence into his game this past season, it was his defensive game that also gained him attention. In the OHL’s coaches Poll, Paul received nods for “best defensive forward” and “best on face-offs” in the OHL’s eastern conference.
While he hasn’t been a dynamic offensive player, Paul projects as a third line center or winger at the NHL level. He is bound to be a useful piece and could put up 35-45 points at the NHL level. The scouting reports on Paul frequently vary, but many of them use a few important evaluators in determining future NHL success. Smarts and size. From McKeen’s Hockey:
Extremely versatile as he can adapt to any situation while making subtle contributions .. not a flashy type yet always manages to stay involved by getting his big body in the way and by effectively shielding pucks down low in the offensive end Brings a steady compete level and tenacity .. sticks with plays and shows a strong appetite for the puck .. a self-driven type who strives to be a difference maker with his work level … can read and evaluate plays and complements others with his hockey sense.’
The big test for Paul comes at the AHL level next season. While we have seen how top prospects can struggle when the game takes a step up, Paul and Senators fans hope that isn’t the case. If Paul is able to show his value at the AHL level, perhaps it isn’t too far away we see Nick Paul is a Senators uniform.
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4. Matt Puempel
Forward – Binghamton Senators — 2011 1st round pick (Ottawa Senators)
AHL 6foot1 185lbs
Written June 22nd:
Puempel was lucky enough to get some time in the NHL this season. While his offensive game isn’t quite developed at the NHL level and he took a step back in terms of AHL production, Puempel remains one of the Senators’ best prospects.
His junior numbers were quite impressive and as a rookie in the AHL, Puempel managed to score 30 goals. He managed to show he can play at the NHL level as he didn’t seem out of place and played well on a Senators energy line. He is very close to playing in the NHL full-time, but will require waivers after next season and should start this season in the AHL.
Binghamton had a setback year, along with Puempel. Now, with new faces (O’Connor, Paul, Lindberg, Lazar?, Harpur, O’Dell, Kostka) joining the squad, they’ll look to take the next step. If they do take that next step, expect sniper Puempel to be a big part of that team’s success.
The scouting reports don’t hold any surprises on Puempel. He’s an offensive minded player with great offensive instincts. He’s just an average sized body and projects to be a second line goal scoring winger in the NHL.
Next: #3: 2011 Second Round Pick, Close To The NHL
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3. Shane Prince
Forward – Binghamton Senators — 2011 2nd round pick (Ottawa Senators)
AHL 5foot10 190lbs
Written June 22nd:
A pick in the same year as Matt Puempel, the Senators have two quality prospects in Puempel and Prince who could play in an NHL’s top 6 and relatively soon.
Prince had an outstanding AHL season, which is what ranks him ahead of Puempel. After being a 2nd round pick in 2011, Prince has had 3 professional seasons, displaying improvement in each of them. This season was the first year he really took a step forward as he recorded 65 points in 72 games.
Those are numbers similar to recent BSens graduates, Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone. Prince’s numbers also gained him recognition from the AHL as he was named to the AHL’s all star team this season. Prince saw a call-up to the NHL, where he recorded his 1st point and did not look out of sorts at the national league level.
Moving forward, Prince projects as a 2nd line scorer. It was nice to see him take the next step at the AHL this season as it proves that Prince is still a legitimate prospect after a few shaky seasons. Look for Prince to compete for the NHL roster as early as this year.
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2. Thomas Chabot
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Thomas Chabot puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number eighteen overall pick to the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Defenceman – Saint Johns Sea Dogs— 2015 1st round pick (Ottawa Senators)
QMJHL 6foot2 181lbs
Among defenders chosen in the 2015 NHL draft, Thomas Chabot easily had the best hair going. He also highlighted what was a second tier of high-end defenders available. Chabot was Ottawa’s highest pick and holds the prospects to be a solid two-way defender as his offensive aspects were a key point to the Senators’ selection.
Think an Alexander Edler type, that’s a comparison I keep going to because 1. I think it’s a very valid comparison and 2. the Senators could really use a player like that in their system.
Aside from Englund and Claesson, the Senators didn’t have any quality defenders in the system. With Chabot, that changes.
The scouting reports talk about what’s expected to be a very big 15-16 season for Chabot. He’ll play alongside Bruins 1st rounder, Jacob Zboril and will look to remove any of the ups and downs he faced last year.
A quick-thinking two-way defenseman that is able to make fast decisions and help his team whenever he is on the ice. Possesses excellent mobility and has good individual puck skills Has the potential to flourish into a very reliable all-around defenseman that can eat up minutes. – Curtis Joe (Elite Prospects)
Chabot will play in the QMJHL for the next two years, at which point he’ll have the option to go to Binghamton or compete for the big club. Defenders rarely play in the NHL under the age of 22, so Chabot is a project for down the road.
His high-end upside is good enough to justify putting Chabot 2nd on the top 20 prospects list.
Next: #1. An American Born, High-End Center
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1. Colin White
Forward – USNTDP — 2015 1st round pick (Ottawa Senators)
USNTDP 6foot0 183lbs
Colin White just completed a season where he fought mono. His stats and production took a hit, as his weight would have fluxed all year long.
But if you take a look at his performance before that, it’s clear that the Senators may have taken a risk, but one that could reap very high rewards. If you have doubts, reading a few scouting reports on the player should put those to rest. How about this one from Elite Prospects:
A prolific scoring threat, Colin White is a strong 3-zone player with an eye for scoring chances – Curtis Joe
Sounds like Colin White could be quite the player, the type of player that teams look to have when competing for a Stanley cup. He’s intelligent and holds what could be the makings of an elite level defensive forward. Perhaps this was best imagined by Sens scout Bob Lowes who asked “can you spell S-E-L-K-E??” when talking about White.
With Curtis Lazar being held in such high regard by the franchise and fans, the team may have a second coming of Lazar in White. Lazar, as a 19-year-old still needs to develop his offensive game at the NHL level but has shown how he can be an impact piece in the future.
With Lazar graduated, White is the Senators’ best prospect. He’ll play in the NCAA next year and has the potential to dominate the league with another healthy season.
Wrap-Up:
The Senators have managed to re-stock their prospect cupboard with 8 additions in the 2015 NHL draft. You’ll notice that the top two prospects are 2015 1st round picks, and while “shiny, new toy syndrome” may be the reason to blame, I truly believe it’s something else.
Chabot and White just seem like sure bets. White certainly, and if there’s any doubt, it’s in Chabot’s defensive ability. The reason for ranking them ahead of 2011 picks Prince and Pumpel are simply due to time. Prince and Puempel are now 22/23-year-olds and not the youngest of prospects. Time is close to running out.
Puempel just had a set back year and Prince has always had doubts. That said, Prince just had an all-star caliber year in Binghamton and Puempel played 15 NHL games. Both are still solid prospects.
Moving down the list and there are players that really help the depth in Ottawa’s system. Nick Paul, Filip Chlapik and Andreas Englund all have what it takes to play in the NHL and Matt O’Connor completes a well-rounded system in terms of depth in different positions.
The Sens don’t have one of the best prospect pools in the league, in fact, it’s probably somewhere around the average or better. However, if the Senators continue the intelligent drafting systems they’ve displayed, this is a team, that although won’t be able to spend on flashy free agents or trades, could develop a contender through the draft.
Next: A Big Season Is In The Cards For Clarke MacArthur