Ottawa Senators 2021-22 Season Predictions: Forwards
By Daniel Bruce
Right-Wing
Drake Batherson
2021-22 Season Prediction: 82GP, 27G-33A-60P
Batherson finally established himself as a full-time NHL player last season after a few seasons dominating the AHL with Belleville, he scored 17 goals and 34 points last season in Ottawa. Finding himself firmly placed on the top-line, Batherson should have the ideal platform to continue his rapid development, and that’s not including the six-year $29.5 million contract that the talented forward signed prior to training camp.
One thing that impressed me when watching Batherson in the preseason is his pace, he looked much faster and more aggressive in puck battles. In the Senators preseason battle versus the Maple Leafs on October 4th, Batherson registered 9 hits, which is unheard of, especially for a preseason game.
Drake Batherson is going to be on another level this year. He stands out on every shift. pic.twitter.com/wBgbTwSNxR
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) October 5, 2021
The 23-year-old winger showed off his great ability on the powerplay, recording a team-high 15 points on the man advantage (5G, 10A), expect Batherson to continue on as one of the teams premier contributors on the powerplay.
Connor Brown
2021-22 Season Prediction: 82GP, 19G-30A-49P
Brown’s 21 goals last season led all Senators players, now, it’s tough to expect Brown to continue his 30-goal pace from last season, I would still expect him to come close to 20 goals and 50 points, which is a fair benchmark.
The tenacious two-way winger has made a name for himself because of his ability to produce offence when shorthanded, like mentioned above, Brown’s 5 shorthanded goals led all NHL skaters. It’s likely the Senators forward finds himself on the second powerplay unit, where he has the potential to lead that unit.
Tyler Ennis
2021-22 Season Prediction: 60GP, 10G-13A-23P
Signed to a PTO (Professional Tryout) prior to the start of training camp, it seemed as though Ennis had the job from the start, his solid play in the preseason and in camp further supported the one-year, $900,000 contract he’d eventually be rewarded with.
Initially, Ennis slots in on the third line but once Tkachuk and Watson return he may be pushed to the fourth line, either way, the Senators are getting a contributing NHL player for a minimal cost. D.J. Smith seems to be high on Ennis’ powerplay ability and by his preseason deployment, he will be starting on the second unit.
DJ Smith - Tyler Ennis is going to be judged on the PP. He's always had good analytics on the PP and we will see where that goes.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) September 24, 2021
Austin Watson
2021-22 Season Prediction: 68GP, 7G-9A-16P
Watson recently suffered an ankle injury that will keep the power forward out of the lineup for the next four weeks, once he returns he will be a key factor in the bottom-six. The 29-year-old forward hasn’t produced much offence in his NHL career, but his toughness and renowned leadership ability have made him a favourite on every team he’s been on. Watson has a career-high of 14 goals scored back in the 2017-18 season and it’s wishful thinking to expect that production again.
The veteran forward can give the Senators some quality bottom-six minutes and can potentially fill in on the penalty-kill if need be.