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Ottawa Senators: Major Boost As Colin White Signs ATO

By Conor Peniston-Bird

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Colin White puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number twenty-one 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
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Colin White puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number twenty-one 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 /
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Colin White has signed for the Ottawa Senators AHL affiliate the Binghamton Senators on an Amateur Tryout contract (ATO).

We’ve written at length our thoughts on the whole White situation, arguing for the former BC Eagle to be signed immediately. Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion and his team have to do what they feel is right for the organisation moving forward. Right now, he feels White spending some time in Binghamton will help build him into an NHL player. Oh, and not burn a year of his entry-level contract.

"“We have spoken to Colin and his advisors at length and we are all in agreement that getting him on the ice to play games in the AHL is what is best for his growth at this moment. While our ongoing contract discussions are moving in a positive direction, we all know there is a small window left this season for Colin to gain professional experience.”"

Pierre Dorion sharing his thoughts with Sportsnet. My initial thoughts from that are that it was the best option to not only get one foot in the door for white. Also preventing the burning of a year’s contract for potentially a handful of games.

With White’s BC Eagles well and truly out of playoff contention he was free to assess his options. Thankfully, thus far it doesn’t appear that White is heading down the Vesey route.

Time To Grow

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Colin White finished his college season with 33 points in 35 games, and he will most certainly get some first line action for Binghamton. The argument from many fans was that he could’ve been left to rot on the fourth-line had he signed and made the jump. A fair point, just take a look at how Detroit have nurtured players in the past. Not throwing them into the deep end to early, so that they can learn the valuable lessons needed to thrive.

Given White’s projection, he will not be an NHL fourth-liner. Therefore, he will learn vital lessons and crucial higher-line minutes in the AHL. Getting time on both the powerplay and penalty kill will only aid his learning.

White must be seen as the one of the future components to this organisation and should be treated with care. Yes, he could be wasted in the AHL but we won’t know until he has played a stint down there.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, White’s team see this as the Ottawa Senators wanting to invest in the development of a young, talented player. However, with Dorion you never quite know what’s around the corner. My optimism is invested in White’s progression. Whereas Dorion’s may be invested in getting bang for the Sens buck.

Next: League Reaction To Methot Injury

The future remains to be seen but fingers crossed this the start of something special for Colin White and the Ottawa Senators.

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