The Ultimate Ottawa Senators Draft Primer
By Daniel Bruce
33rd Overall, Ideal Pick: Jeremie Poirier (LHD)
Similar to the Senators’ pick of Thomas Chabot in the 2015 draft, an offensive-minded defenceman who needs to shore up his defensive game. Poirier would be well worth the gamble at 33. Poirier scored 20 goals last season for Saint John and has a knack for getting pucks through to the net. He registered 261 shots last season, leading all CHL defenceman, he is a danger in the opponent’s zone.
Other Options: Luke Evangelista (RW), Thomas Bordeleau (C), Ryan O’ Rourke (LHD)
51st Overall, Ideal Pick: Roby Jarventie (LW)
The talented forward out of Finland enjoyed a great season in the Mestis (tier-2) men’s league in Finland where he recorded over a point/game. At 6’2″ Jarventie brings nice size and skill to the table. With the Senators having such a surplus of draft capital they can afford to take these “risky” prospects as Jarventie has a ton of talent but isn’t close to being NHL ready.
Other Options: Tyler Kleven (LHD), Justin Sourdif (C)
58th Overall, Ideal Pick: Roni Hirvonen (C)
The small, diminutive centre out of Assat in the Liiga has already had a full season against men and didn’t look out of place. Producing 16 points in 52 games, Hirvonen was helpful both in the offensive and defensive zone. Hirvonen also thinks the game at a high level, a pre-requisite to making the NHL, especially for a player at just 5’9″.
Other Options: Daemon Hunt (LHD), Dylan Peterson (C)
60th Overall, Ideal Pick: Wyatt Kaiser (LHD)
An offensive defenceman out of Andover High School in Minnesota, Kaiser had 43 points in 31 games good enough to be one of the leading scorers on the team, while captaining the team as well. The Senators love drafting players who follow the college route and Kaiser will be playing his freshman season at Duluth in 2021-22.
Other Options: Kasper Simontaival (RW), Theodor Niederbach (C)