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Ottawa Senators: Making sense of the centre position

By Joseph St-Amour |
OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 18: Colin White #36 of the Ottawa Senators prepares for a faceoff as lineman James Tobias #61 waist for the the Buffalo Sabres player at Canadian Tire Centre on February 18, 2020 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 18: Colin White #36 of the Ottawa Senators prepares for a faceoff as lineman James Tobias #61 waist for the the Buffalo Sabres player at Canadian Tire Centre on February 18, 2020 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)

The Ottawa Senators have been in search of their next great center since the departure of Jason Spezza. Senators fans thought they had finally done so when Pierre Dorion acquired Matt Duchene from the Colorado Avalanche in the 2017-2018 season. We all know how that turned out.

Have no fear, even without the potentially adding the must anticipate Quinton Byfield, Marco Rossi or Cole Perfetti the Ottawa Senators are just fine down the middle. That being said, it’s looking a little crowded. Let’s take a look at who should stay and who’s potentially not going to be in an Ottawa Senators uniform next season.

Colin White

Many had big expectations after a breakout season for Colin White. White finishing the 2018-2019 season with 14 goals/ 27 assists but has not lived up to his new 6-year $28 Million dollar contract extension 61 games into his new deal. The Senators have invested a lot in Colin White, don’t think the organization is ready to quit on him and for good reason, he’s a working machine.

Logan Brown

For three straight seasons, Logan Brown has been trying to play his way into a permanent job with the big club. At times Brown will show a glimpse of his potential but ultimately falls flat on his face. His game with the organizations’ farm team however has been magnificent with 28 points in 25 games in the 2019-2020 campaign. Many believe he is a lost cause, it might be best to trade him while he still holds good value.

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Chris Tierney

Often underrated, Chris Tierney is quietly proving to the league he’s a good hockey player. Tierney quietly tallied up 11 goals and 26 assists this season.  While considered a PK specialist and with the likes of JG Pageau traded to the Islanders, the Ottawa Senators will still need a veteran forward who can lead the PK. Interesting to see if the Ottawa Senators trade him but it’s believed the Senators will try to extend the RFA which would be a brilliant move.

Artem Anisimov

After being traded from the Chicago Blackhawks for centerman Zach Smith, Anisimov was looking for a fresh start with the Ottawa Senators. So far the unlucky center has found himself without much puck luck and on the IR for part of the 2019-2020 season. It’s not believed he will be a big part of the franchise’s future but does he hold any trade value? Pierre Dorion should hold onto this wild card until the next trade deadline. Someone will definitely be needed for depth down the middle for a playoff push next season.

Next. Ottawa Senators: Move or keep Connor Brown. dark

With the likes of Josh Norris, Shane Pinto and even Filip Chlapik who might prove to be a good, cheap 4th line career guy, it’s hard to see but the Senators are very deep down the middle. The Ottawa Senators have decisions to make before next season and even more by the next trade deadline. It will be interesting to see what this team looks like a full calendar year from today.

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