The Ultimate Ottawa Senators Draft Primer

63rd Overall, Ideal Pick: Alex Cotton (RHD)

After being passed over in his first draft-eligible season, Cotton made a name for himself the following year scoring 20 goals and 67 points in just 63 games for Lethbridge. Cotton was stellar on the power-play racking up 31 points, he was elite at both 5v5 and on special teams for Lethbridge. At 6’2″, Cotton has many traits that the Senators would love to add to their roster.

70th Overall, Ideal Pick: William Villeneuve (LHD)

Villeneuve is a really interesting case, as he led the Saint John Sea Dogs in points last season with 58, ahead of teammate and fellow prospect Jeremie Poirier. At this point in the draft the Senators will be looking for players with enticing traits who haven’t put their game together yet and Villeneuve fits the bill. He has to improve his skating as he looks lazy at certain points but technically his stride isn’t an issue. With more weight added to his frame, he should become more powerful.

154th Overall, Ideal Pick: Samuel Johannesson (RHD)

Like Cotton, Johannesson was passed over in his draft year and rebounded with a solid season. The Swedish-defenceman played the full season in the SHL with Rögle BK, recording 11 points in 44 games as while as near a point/game pace in the SuperElit. Johannesson is well worth the gamble at the end of the fifth-round.

157th Overall, Ideal Pick: Tomas Chlubna

Chlubna played his first season of pro hockey last year where he recorded 16 points in 41 games in the Czech-2 league. At 6’2″ and one of the youngest players in the draft, this is a case of draft and develop.

180th Overall, Ideal Pick: Vsevolod Skotnikov (G)

Here Ottawa takes a chance on a talented Russian goalie who put up insane numbers, he recorded a 0.938 SV% in both VHL and MHL play. Now graduated to the KHL, Skotnikov could be a sleeper pick here.