Before the 2025-26 season began, the Ottawa Senators made a trade with the New Jersey Devils to upgrade their toughness. The Senators traded away Zack MacEwen in exchange for Kurtis MacDermid.
MacDermid made an impression by getting into a fight in his Senators debut, but has been a liability when he plays. MacDermid has recorded zero points and has averaged under five minutes of ice time per game in the three games he's played this season ahead of tonight's game against the Boston Bruins.
The fourth line has been lacking offense from MacDermid. Lars Eller and Fabian Zetterlund haven't produced much, but are better at producing offense.
Five prospects who are worth playing over MacDermid
Brady Tkachuk out of the lineup is hurting the Senators offense. Head coach Travis Green shook up the lines last game against the Washington Capitals and found success with putting Nick Cousins on the first line. However, the fourth line needs better offense over having MacDermid in the lineup, and there's five prospects in the AHL with the Belleville Senators who can produce.
5. Tyler Boucher
Prior to this season, Tyler Boucher had injury issues and struggling play. Now, Boucher is off to the best start he's ever had in the AHL.
In seven games this season, Boucher has recorded four points. Last night against the Toronto Marlies, Boucher recorded his second goal of the season.
Boucher is turning his game around for the better as the former 10th overall pick in 2021 with finally making progress. Boucher has yet to play in an NHL game, but his hot start can help his chances.
4. Wyatt Bongiovanni
Last season, Wyatt Bongiovanni was tied for the most goals on Belleville's roster with 22. Once again, Bongiovanni is at it again this season.
Bongiovanni's three goals this season has him tied for first on Belleville. Last night, Bongiovanni scored recorded one goal and an assist, and has scored one goal in three of the last four games for Belleville.
3. Xavier Bourgault
Xavier Bourgault was drafted one pick before Dallas Stars superstar Wyatt Johnston in the first round, and hasn't lived up to the first-round hype. Bourgault was in need to start showing heavy potential with Belleville after last season. So far, Bourgault has answered the call for Belleville.
Like Bongiovanni, Bourgault has three goals this season. Bourgault's six points so far in Belleville are the second most on the roster. While he's been known for his goal scoring so far this season, Bourgault recorded a two-assist game last night.
2. Arthur Kaliyev
Arthur Kaliyev showed NHL talent for two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, but only played in 15 games last season with the New York Rangers. This past offseason, Kaliyev joined the Senators.
While Kaliyev has played in the NHL so far, he's mainly spent time in the AHL. When in the AHL, Kaliyev has been solid. Kaliyev has recorded five points five points in five AHL games this season. Last night, Kaliyev recorded is best Belleville game with recording one goal and an assist.
Kaliyev has recorded at least one point in four of the five games he's played in with Belleville. While he does have one assist in two NHL games, Kaliyev would make a better player for offense over MacDermid in the NHL.
1. Stephen Halliday
At some point, Stephen Halliday will be called up to the NHL. Once again, Halliday is making strides in Belleville.
After leading Belleville last season with 51 points, Halliday is leading Belleville in points again this season with nine. Halliday also leads Belleville with eight assists.
In three of the seven games he's played in, Halliday recorded a multi-point game in three of them. Last night, Halliday recorded one goal, one assist and the shootout winner.
MacDermid may not offer much offensively, but there are players in Belleville who would be a bigger upgrade to have in the lineup with the Senators' offense looking to be stronger with Tkachuk out.
Boucher, Bongiovanni, Bourgault, Kaliyev and Halliday would be five solid choices to insert into the lineup.