With no legitimate number one centre, the Senators have a decision to make
While the Ottawa Senators rebuild takes shape, they’re still without a legitimate top-line centre for the upcoming season. While they did draft Tim Stuetzle to be their future number one centre, it doesn’t appear he will be playing that position as he starts his NHL career.
They have a veteran, proven depth centreman in Chris Tierney, an inconsistent young pivot Colin White and top prospects Josh Norris and Logan Brown, it’s tough to pick the best option out of that crop. While Artem Anisimov and Tim Stuetzle both have the versatility to play centre, it’s unlikely either of them will take the responsibility at the top, as both most likely will settle on the wing.
D.J. Smith and staff will have a decision to make, but it likely won’t have many ramifications if their pick doesn’t play well, they use a heavy three-line rotation. The top-line centre likely won’t have too much on his plate, especially if it’s Brown or Norris.