The Senators selected the Edmonton Oil King forward 123rd Overall
Pre-draft ranking: N/R by TSN/McKenzie, Ranked 174 by McKeen’s Hockey
A common theme throughout the Senators 2021 Draft class was speed, and they added plenty more of that with the selection of Carson Latimer. Hailing from the WHL, Latimer doesn’t have a ton of experience at the CHL level (mainly due to Covid-19), however, he was quite good in 22 games this past season, registering 16 points. He also had a quick stop with the Port Moody Panthers of the PIJHL (Junior-B), racking up 12 points in 8 games.
The Senators even traded up to grab Latimer, dealing picks 136 and 170 to Carolina in exchange for the 123rd overall selection that was used to select the energetic forward. The 6’1″, 185-pound right-winger isn’t afraid to crash the front of the net, and it’s no surprise that most of the goals he scored this season were from in front of the net. The highlight reel below showcases some of Latimer’s shining moments from his first “full” season in the WHL:
Latimer is profiled as one of the better skaters in the class, something that I can get on board with. The way the NHL has been progressing in the last decade has been all about speed and skill, with pace being something that D.J. Smith regularly preaches to the media, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Edmonton Oil King forward becomes a coach’s favourite when he makes it to the pro ranks.
Despite his draft status, Latimer brings a pro-style game to the Senators organization, he stars on the penalty kill and the defensive end of the ice. The tenacious forward won’t cheat with his effort as he will usually leave it all out on the ice, his offensive game could use a little refinement but it isn’t by any means a weakness at this point. The Elite Prospects draft guide had some good things to say about Latimer’s game:
#Sens select RW Carson Latimer from the Edmonton Oil Kings!
— Locked On Senators (@SensCentral) July 24, 2021
From the EP Draft Guide ⬇️ #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/8ASG4urwFw
Latimer (2003 born), will likely play two more seasons in junior where his progression will be fun to watch, don’t be surprised if he finds himself much higher on Senators prospects lists a few years from now.