Mock Draft: Ottawa Senators Fans Select the First Round

We let the fans decide who they would like to take at each of the Ottawa Senators draft picks

Sitting with two picks inside of the top 5, the Senators have the rare opportunity to come out of the draft with two potential superstars at their disposal, also sprinkle in a potential mid-first round pick and it could be a dream first round.

During this exercise there was a poll for each of the Senators draft picks, while the pick Ottawa acquired from the Islanders was set at 20th overall due to draft prospect hockey simulator. Each pick was presented with 4 players to choose from, creating some parity in the voting.

It was expected that the fans would go the route of the best player available and that proved to be true. With a loaded top 10, there is not many wrong answers with any of the Senator’s options with their first two picks.

Now we can see how Sens twitter did with respect to the 2020 NHL Draft, let’s dive in.

3rd Overall: Quinton Byfield (C), Sudbury (OHL)

H: 6’4″ W: 214 lbs

In what was a lopsided poll since Tim Stützle went 2nd overall to the L.A. Kings, Senators fans seem as though they would be quite enthused with Quinton Byfield at number 3:

Most regard Byfield as the 2nd best prospect in the draft and he offers a ton down the middle for the Ottawa Senators.

Byfield enjoyed a stellar draft year in the OHL, where he scored 32 goals and 82 points in 45 games, doing everything he could in this crucial season. If it wasn’t for a crazy rise from Tim Stützle, the talented center would of been the 2nd overall pick with no questions asked.

The big-bodied center possesses eye popping skill which is evident whenever he is on the ice. For such a big frame, Byfield has rare elite skating which is uncommon for many players his size. Partnered with his great hockey IQ, playmaking and goal scoring ability, Byfield is an all around prospect who would be one of/if not the most talented Senator draft picks ever.

The Senators have depth down the middle with Josh Norris, Logan Brown, Colin White and Chris Tierney but don’t have a bonafide, elite center prospect that Byfield is. One of the players that would benefit greatly from an infusion of talent would be Brady Tkachuk, who would form an intimidating duo with Byfield.

Inserting the skilled centerman into the lineup whether next year, or the year after would create a ton of excitement both on and off the ice for Senators fans.

5th Overall: Lucas Raymond (RW), Frölunda (SHL)

H: 5’10” W: 183 lbs

With Marco Rossi going 4th overall to the Detroit Red Wings, The Ottawa Senators get a chance to find Quinton Byfield’s running mate:

The vote was won by a landslide again, it seems as though Senators fans want to invest heavily in the forward group, the Sens lack high end talent up front so the infusion of talent up front would be wise.

The super-talented winger out of Sweden has been on scouts radars for years and for good reason. Despite being smaller at 5’10”, Raymond is relentless, constantly pressing opposing defenceman on the forecheck using his great motor.

Raymond struggled to produce with Frölunda in the top mens league in Sweden, finishing the season with just 10 points in 33 games. The minimal production is directly correlated to his lack of ice time, that’s why fellow Swedish prospects Alexander Holtz and Noel Gunler all had similar production.

Only playing 10:16 a game it was tough to find consistency for the talented forward and when he would play he would be stuck on the fourth line at most points. Looking into the production is the wrong way to assess Raymond, watching him play more minutes against players his age, you see how dominant he can be. This years World Juniors was a great example, as at just 17-years of age he was one of Sweden’s best players.

Whenever Raymond touches the puck he’s a danger to score, on the power play below versus Finland he takes the puck end to end for the great chance on net:

Going 1 on 3, Raymond makes a quick toe drag which results in something out of nothing. The young Swede would finish the tournament with 4 points in 7 games and showed to the world why he’s thought so highly of by most scouting services.