Despite losing last night the Ottawa Senators have performed well to start the season. They got eight out of a possible ten points with Karlsson out of the lineup. Then in Karlsson’s return they massively outplayed the Canucks but ran into a hot goaltender. However, there’s a question around the forward group early in the season. What is going to happen with Logan Brown?
Going into the season one of the most exciting things for Ottawa Senators fans was the prospect of Logan Brown making the team full time. After a spectacular pre-season and with the Sens suffering from injuries this seemed like a prime opportunity for him to earn his spot. However, despite his strong start he’s played just one game, the season opener, and has been scratched the rest of the time.
A Strange Situation
Normally one would assume this means he’ll be sent back to junior. However, the Sens already sent down Thomas Chabot and Alex Formenton. Evidently Chabot plays a different position so it’s different there, but Formenton played just as much as Brown early on, one game. Both have played one game and have been scratched yet Formenton was sent down while Brown continues to sit in the press box. All this while Boucher chooses to ice only eleven forwards in favour of seven defencemen.
A Lack Of Trust
With Boucher choosing not to use twelve forwards it gives the impression that Boucher doesn’t trust Brown enough to play him just yet. If this is the case it would make sense that he would be sent back to junior. Since this hasn’t been done yet it gives the impression that he still may have a chance to stay with the team.
Next: Ottawa Senators Fall To Canucks In Karlsson’s Return
A Risk To His Development
In all likelihood the coaching staff and management are keeping Brown with the team a little longer so that he can learn and gain experience even if he’s not playing. However, since he’s still with the team there’s the chance that he could work his way into the lineup. It’s a strange situation and the Ottawa Senators will have to make a decision soon or risk hurting his development. He needs to play games to develop and if he isn’t playing them with the Sens he needs to be sent back to junior.