Recapping the Ottawa Senators Picks on Day 2 of the NHL Draft
By Daniel Bruce
71st Overall: Leevi Merilainen (G), Kärpät U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
Probably the most surprising pick of the draft, Merilainen wasn’t on many scouts radars and was expected to go undrafted. Ottawa took a leap of faith on him at the beginning of the third-round which was a bit questionable. Moreso the Senators have a ton of depth in goal and just traded for Matt Murray, I just didn’t view goaltender as a huge need and using a third-round pick on a goalie who they could’ve had in the seventh-round seemed a bit unnecessary.
However, Merilainen has been impressive in Finland, putting up a 0.942 SV% in 19 games in Finland’s U18 league last season and a 0.908 SV% in 16 games in the U20 SM-sarja. The main reason he was selected as Trent Mann alluded too was his play so far this season, in 4 games so far this season with the Kärpät U20 team, he has a 0.928 SV%. He is also one of the youngest goalies in the draft with his August birthday and 2002 birthdate.
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155th Overall: Eric Engstrand (LW), Malmö (SHL)
Another overager to join Sokolov, Engstrand tore up the SuperElit U20 league in Sweden last season, producing 58 points in just 37 games for Malmö. Another big forward added to the team, Engstrand is 6’4″ but adds an interesting element to his game, he’s a very fast skater. EliteProspects had some interesting comments on Engstrand:
From https://t.co/yogjAIlZT0 on Eric Engstrand: "Big raw swedish winger with a powerful stride and a very good wheel.He is predicted to be a future powerwing. He is not an intimidator or even even initiatior but wont back down from greasy play with heavy contact."
— SENS TALK (@senstalk_) October 7, 2020
The Senators took another swing here and the raw skillset on Engstrand is enticing.
158th Overall: Philippe Daoust (LW), Moncton (QMJHL)
A late-bloomer, born in Barrie, Ontario, Daoust was passed on by every OHL team in the draft and eventually went over to play in the QMJHL where he found his home in Moncton. Despite just producing 29 points in 58 games, Daoust started making strides as the season went along and showed some promise.
Look for Daoust to make some more significant progress and really up his point totals from a. year ago.
#2020NHLDraft prospect @philippe_daoust is primed for a breakout 20-21 season. Late birthday centre will be leaned on heavily in the @monctonwildcats lineup. pic.twitter.com/lQBY0QdK9E
— Taylor MacDougall (@tmac_17) September 28, 2020
181st Overall: Cole Reinhardt (LW), Brandon (WHL)
Another 20-year-old overager (drink!), Reinhardt had a 31 goal season for Brandon and looks to be another late-bloomer who the Senators want to take a flyer on.
Reinhardt was 2nd on Brandon in goal scoring, Brandon wasn’t a high-scoring team either so his production was very impressive. Also, Reinhardt was a teammate of the Senators 28th overall pick Ridly Greig so the Senators were sure to like that. There’s no much on Reinhardt as of now but expect him to compete for a spot in Belleville, or return to Brandon next season.