Ottawa Senators: Defenceman or forward at fifth overall?

GUELPH, ON - MAY 8: Marco Rossi #23 of the Ottawa 67's skates against the Guelph Storm during Game Four of the OHL Championship Series Final at the Sleeman Centre on May 8, 2019 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The Storm defeated the 67's 5-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

4 of 4

OSHAWA, ON – NOVEMBER 22: Jamie Drysdale #4 of the Erie Otters passes the puck during an OHL game against the Oshawa Generals at the Tribute Communities Centre on November 22, 2019 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images) /

Verdict

The Ottawa Senators have a need for game-breaking talent upfront and can solidify that with two selections in the top 5. The Senators have premier talent in the game with Chabot, and Brannstrom has all the makings of being a great second option for Chabot.

The Ottawa Senators’ needs would indicate a selection of two forwards as sufficient, and in terms of best players available I believe Raymond, Rossi and Perfetti surpass Drysdale and Sanderson in terms of talent as well.

The 2020 NHL Draft is filled with forward talent in the top 20, but through the late first-round into the second round defenceman becomes more abundant. Ottawa could take the skilled forwards early, then target defenceman with a few of their four second-round selections.

The need for Ottawa and talent in this very talented draft indicate that an effective move would be to select the best players available and bring two star forwards to Ottawa.

Home/Analysis