Centre
Josh Norris
2021-22 Season Prediction: 82GP, 30G-32A-62P
If you ask the casual fan who the Senators best forward was last season you would seldom hear Josh Norris’ name, even though he was probably deserving of the title. In 56 games last season, Norris had 17 goals and 35 points, while carrying top-line centre duties at the age of 21. Norris was just as good or even better at the other end of the ice, leading the team with a 52.3% success rate in the face-off circle and also yielding great results analytically.
Apropos of nothing, Josh Norris had an excellent rookie season where he played tough minutes and came out of it with great results at both ends of the ice and solid scoring as well. #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/VTVToKCCku
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 18, 2021
Norris really came on at the end of last season, especially on the powerplay. The Oxford, Michigan native registered a team-leading 6 goals with the man advantage and his powerful shot from the right bumper will help him become the first Senator to score 30+ goals since Milan Michalek in the 2011-12 season.
Shane Pinto
2021-22 Season Prediction: 78GP, 20G-19A-39P
Pinto showed he was NHL-ready when he scored 7 points in the final 12 games last year as the second-line centre, and throughout training camp and preseason he did nothing but prove it again. Pinto had 2 goals and 4 points in the preseason, including this incredible finish in overtime:
Shane Pinto wins it in overtime! What a shot. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/HxhMqOA6aG
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) September 27, 2021
The former University of North Dakota Fighting Hawk possesses a two-way game that is more advanced than the majority of players his age and has the ability to play both aspects of special teams. Pinto appears to be locked in on the second penalty-kill unit alongside Alex Formenton, the two made a great impression together last season when the team started to thrive.
The 20-year-old has been a goal-scorer throughout the majority of his hockey career, so don’t let his 1 goal stint last year worry you, he’s bound for 20, or close to it this year.
Chris Tierney
2021-22 Season Prediction: 60GP, 6G-12A-18P
Tierney has fallen out of favour in Ottawa with the emergence of Norris and Pinto, expected to be starting on the fourth-line at the start of camp, an injury to Colin White has once again lifted the veteran centre to a third-line role. It’s tough to expect Tierney to produce much with no powerplay time and limited offensive opportunities. The ideal outcome is if Tierney can give Ottawa solid minutes until the trade deadline and then be moved for a pick at the deadline.
Colin White
2021-22 Season Prediction: N/A – Season-Ending Injury
White dislocated his shoulder during a preseason game versus the Winnipeg Jets and is expected to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery.
Logan Shaw
2021-22 Season Prediction: 6GP, 0G-1A-1P
Shaw starts the season on the Senators fourth-line and he will almost certainly be sent back to captain Belleville once a centre returns.
Clark Bishop
2021-22 Season Prediction: 25GP, 3G-3A-6P
St. Johns, Newfoundland native, Clark Bishop looked outstanding at the end of last season with Ottawa, providing constant energy in the 13 games he was able to suit up in. Once Bishop returns from an ankle injury that will likely keep him out for a few weeks, he will have the inside track at the fourth-line centre role.