I’m starting an ambitious project here to try to figure out the Senators top 25 prospects ranked. My opinions are my own, and if you disagree feel free to let me know in the comments below.
Number 25: Max Guenette
Although he was drafted by the Senators in the seventh round (187th overall) last June, many scouts are saying this was a steal by the Senators management to pick him this late in the draft.
A defenceman playing for the Val d’Or Foreurs in the QMJHL, he is playing well with six goals and 19 points in 32 games, on a roster pretty much void of skill.
He’s logging minutes and has upped his play from last year considerably.
Estimated NHL arrival: 2023-24 season.
Number 24: Mark Kastelic
A fifth round pick (125 overall) of the sens this past year, he was drafted mainly because of his goal scoring abilities, as he scored 47 goals last year in the WHL.
The sens seem to be going after tall, versatile players in recent drafts, and Kastelic is no exception to this, he stands at 6’4″ and could really throw his body around on the ice.
He has 18 goals already this year to go with 30 points in 24 games. He’s on track for 41 goals, a nice number for the Calgary Hitmen. He’s known as a leader on and off the ice, and isn’t afraid to fight for his teammates.
Brings back memories of Senators legend Chris Neil.
Estimated NHL arrival: 2022-23 season.
Number 23: Parker Kelly
Not known for his skill as much as his hard working mentality, which enabled him to win back-to-back hardest working player awards at the Ottawa Senators training camp.
He’s struggling to put up significant numbers in the AHL for the Belleville Senators. He only has three goals and a single assists in 23 games, on a star studded team.
A good option for his development, considering he does have the tools to be a good NHL player but hasn’t gotten the opportunity, would be to send him for a stint in the ECHL. He’ll get top minutes there, so he can build his confidence and rack up the points.
Then once he plays maybe 20,25 games, he can get called back up to the B-Sens, and get a bigger role since a big chunk of the big names in Belleville will be sent up to Ottawa after the NHL trade deadline.
Estimated NHL arrival: 2023-24 season.