How does Byfield fit in Ottawa?
Byfield would immediately jump in as Ottawa’s future number one center, and has a chance to be that as early as next season.
He would be Ottawa’s far and away best prospect and would add to some intriguing depth that’s forming down the middle for the Senators.
With the likes of Josh Norris, Logan Brown and Colin White all young centers that are all expected to be NHL caliber next season, Ottawa will be stacked at the position. With Chris Tierney still on the team, if Byfield makes the Senators roster, Pierre Dorion will have to be creative in how he handles the position.
Byfield has the potential to form a formidable duo with Brady Tkachuk, two big bodies that would wear down opposing teams with their imposing size and could capitalize on chances with their great skill.
If Byfield is selected by Ottawa at three, they would be inclined to select a winger or a defenceman, if they end up selecting one of Raymond, Perfetti or Holtz they could all play well off of the big center and add to an already promising forward group.
There are doubts about Byfield’s ability to play in the NHL next season, and if he doesn’t that won’t affect an Ottawa team who is most likely chasing a high pick again. In the 2021-2022 season is where Ottawa could have a fair amount more established NHL talent with an extra year of development, and it might be a great situation for Byfield to start his NHL career.