Mock Draft: Predicting the draft for the Ottawa Senators

33rd Overall, Mavrik Bourque (C), Shawinigan (QMJHL)

Mavrik Bourque is an absolute steal here in the second-round, initially slated to go middle to late first round, the Senators must pounce on the chance to get the talented centreman. The Shawinigan Cataracts centre enjoyed a stellar season, tied for the team lead in points with 71 and adding 29 goals which ranked second. The agile centreman like the recently picked Jarvis was far and away the best player on their team, while Bourque was tied for the most points on his team he did do it in 14 fewer games than his peer.

Bourque isn’t going to separate himself from the other top prospects with his speed instead he plays the game very fast, processes the game well and makes quick reads with the puck. Essential tools to thrive in the NHL.

49th Overall, William Villeneuve (RHD), Saint John (QMJHL)

One of my favourite players in the draft, William Villeneuve is a smooth skater who oozes offensive potential. He’s a very mobile defenceman who is great on his edges and reminds me of Thomas Chabot who is a former Sea Dog. The Saint John Sea Dogs defenceman led the team in points with 58 in 64 games, along with 9 goals. Villeneuve outproduced fellow defensive prospect Jeremie Poirier which may seem surprising at first but after watching the smooth defenceman you can see why.

The Senators add another right-handed shot on the blue line who can create a lot of offence from the back end. Villeneuve stands at 6-foot-1 but lacks a bit in his frame at just 163 pounds, the prospect will have to add more to his frame in order to defend at the NHL level.

52nd Overall, Carter Savoie (LW), Sherwood Park (AJHL)

Carter Savoie tore up the Alberta Junior Hockey League and showed he was playing way against talent far inferior to him. Scoring almost a goal per game pace with 53 goals in 54 games along with 99 points, Savoie showcased his powerful shot. The Ottawa Senators would be adding another skilled winger to their prospect pool which is much improved with the skilled Savoie and first-round pick Seth Jarvis.

Savoie makes a great play below using his strong base to fend off a defender and proceeding to make a nice move past the goalie:

https://twitter.com/SPcrusaders/status/1183872268423847937?s=20

Another slightly undersized player at 5-foot-10 but has a strong frame at 181 pounds. Savoie will be playing at the University of Denver next season which would make it another Ottawa Senators prospect taking the college route.

55th Overall, Theodor Niederbach (C), Frölunda J20 (SuperElit)

After missing the whole 2018-2019 season due to injury, Niederbach had a great comeback season in his draft year. A great season for the Swedish centre putting up 15 goals and 48 points in Sweden’s junior league outproducing teammate and fellow draftee Daniel Torgersson. Niederbach is a bit of an unknown having not played at any high international tournaments but the talented pivot is worth a shot at this point in the second round.

The two-way centreman could bring versatility to the Sens lineup in the future with the ability to play up and down the lineup due to the energy and skill he possesses.

56th Overall (Trade with LA), Kasper Simontaival (RW), Tappara U20 (Jr. A Sm-Liiga)

Trade: Ottawa trades 3rd round (64) and 4th round (95) to Los Angeles for 3rd round (56)

 I had to make this trade for Ottawa because of the Finnish winger’s crazy skill. There are worries with Simontaival about his size and lack of breakaway speed but his skill is enough for scouts to commonly give him late first-round/early second-round grades. The skilled winger was Tappara U20’s best player this season finishing with 25 goals and 57 points, tying for the most points on the team in a few fewer games.

You can never take enough talented forwards if you’re Ottawa since they’re so deep down the middle, Simontaival has the potential to be a top-6 forward for the Senators. Look at the skill Simontaival shows on this highlight-reel goal: