Ottawa Senators: Top 5 prospects heading into 2019-20 season
The Ottawa Senators have been in a self-proclaimed rebuild for over one year now. This rebuild has led to the team replenishing their prospect depth. Here are the top-5 prospects currently in the Senators’ organization.
Number 5: Josh Norris
Drafted in the first round (19th overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks, there was a lot of hype surrounding him. Known for being a playmaker, Norris has a lot of what it takes to make it in the NHL.
He was acquired by the Ottawa Senators when they traded Erik Karlsson to the San Jose Sharks. Playing the last two seasons in the NCAA with U. of Michigan. In his first season in Michigan, he played in 37 games, scored 8 goals and got 15 assists for 23 points, which is very good for a freshman.
This past year he has been injured for much of the season so he only played 17 games. But he still had 19 points (10g 9a). Considered by some as the main part of the Karlsson trade, there is plenty of hype in Ottawa for this young player.
Norris should crack the Senators lineup sometime in the next two seasons.
Number 4: Logan Brown
Selected by the Ottawa Senators 11th overall in 2016. He was hailed as the possible first-line centre that the Senators needed. With only 6 games under his belt and a single point, and assist, he hasn’t lived up to the hype just yet.
But after a breakout season with the Belleville Senators, where he scored 14 goals and notched 28 assists for 42 points in 56 games, he is finally living up to some of his potential. Paired with Drake Batherson most of this past year, they hope to continue their chemistry in the NHL.
At 6’6″ and 220 lbs, Brown is a force to be reckoned with and has the potential to be a great player with the Senators in the coming seasons.
Number 3: Christian Wolanin
Wolanin split the season between Ottawa and Belleville last year and was really looking good for stretches of time. He played 30 games in the NHL (9g 24a) where he played amazing at points when Thomas Chabot was injured, Wolanin took over as the number 1 defenceman. But of course, time will tell how good he will be.
Sens fans should expect him to be a full-time NHL player next season. Possibly slotting in as the number 2 defenceman on the left side under Chabot, who will carry most roles.
He will definitely be counted on more this season with Cody Ceci and Ben Harpur getting traded away. Wolanin should be a fun player to watch for years to come.
Number 2: Drake Batherson
Drafted in the fourth round in 2017, Batherson is sure turning heads in the Senators organization. He was an all-star last year with Belleville in the AHL and by far the best player on the team.
Playing in 59 games last year in the AHL he scored 20 goals and 42 assists for 62 points. Batherson was a runner-up for the rookie of the year in the AHL.
It’s likely he will be starting next season in the NHL possibly alongside B-Sens teammate Logan Brown. The Senators need more exciting players in their lineup and Batherson sure is exciting.
Number 1: Erik Brannstrom
Standing at only 5’10” he may not have the size but he definitely has the skill to be a star in the NHL. He was the main piece the Senators received for Mark Stone when he was traded.
Widely regarded as the best defenceman not in the NHL, Brannstrom should make the team right out of training camp. His possible pairing may be Nikita Zaitsev or Ron Hainsey, both veterans who will mentor the young Swede into the NHL.
Brannstrom is a Calder Trophy (best NHL rookie) candidate for next season. He should find ample ice time with the big club and be a force throughout his entire rookie campaign.
What say you Sens fans? Who would you rank in the top-5 prospects for the Ottawa Senators? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.