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

VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 5: Josh Norris #14 of the United States celebrates after scoring a goal against Finland in Gold Medal hockey action of the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship on January, 5, 2019 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /

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

OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 24: Ottawa Senators Center Logan Brown (21) keeps eyes on the play during first period National Hockey League action between the Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators on February 24, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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

OTTAWA, ON – APRIL 01: Christian Wolanin #86 of the Ottawa Senators skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Canadian Tire Centre on April 1, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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

OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 24: Drake Batherson #79 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Calgary Flames at Canadian Tire Centre on February 24, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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

CALGARY, AB – MARCH 21: Erik Brannstrom #26 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game on March 21, 2019 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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.

Next. Three burning questions for next season. dark

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.

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