The Scouting Report:
Beckett Sennecke is a prospective forward hailing from Toronto, Ontario. Born on January 28, 2006, he developed in the GTHL with the Toronto Marlboros, gaining a reputation for his creative playmaking and vision on the ice. Sennecke currently plays for the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League. For the 2023-2024 season, he had 68 points in 63 games, with 27 goals. His playoff performance with the Generals has increased interest in the young prospect, as he contributed 22 points in 16 games.
The 18-year-old currently stands at 6’3” and 181 pounds. He often plays larger than he is, utilizing his reach to maintain puck possession and create passing plays. As he continues to grow, it’s expected that his long stride will benefit his already solid skating abilities. He’s been ranked as high as 13th by the NHL’s Central Scouting and as low as 39th by TSN’s Craig Button.
Ranked #19 by TSN/Bob McKenzie
Ranked #17 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #13 by NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #22 by Draft Prospects Hockey
Ranked #22 by Inside The Rink
There are several skills that Sennecke possesses that make him an intriguing prospect.
Diving Deeper:
Skating Ability
One of the most noticeable elements of Sennecke’s game is his skating ability. He has a long stride that he uses to outskate opponents to the puck. He’s not the fastest skater, but what he lacks in speed, he makes up for in skill. He’s able to secure the puck for his team and create plays in the offensive zone. His skating has also withstood his recent growth spurt. Sennecke stood at 5’ 10” when drafted by the Generals and reached 6’3” by the end of this season. Sometimes a quick change in height can create an awkward sense of spatial awareness and clumsy skating from a player. Sennecke, however, maintained his proficiency and showed no sign of struggling as he continued to fill out. He skates with clean edges and is able to work with the puck in corners and tight spaces. His ability to quickly shift directions with the puck or to follow a play has been demonstrated throughout his time in the OHL.
Forechecking
In addition to using the length of his legs to help his skating, Sennecke’s ability to use his wingspan to apply pressure on the forecheck has proven to be an important element of his game. Sennecke’s agility and creativity with his play help him to regain and maintain puck possession for his team. He applies pressure on his opponents and has great spatial awareness in both offensive and defensive zones. He is able to station himself exactly where he needs to be to make plays, read what his opponents are doing, and position himself accordingly.
Puck Handling
Sennecke hasn’t solidified himself as an excellent goalscorer. He has, however, proven that he can handle the puck with a high level of intelligence and skill. He brings a level of creativity to his game and is always seeking different ways to create scoring opportunities for his team. He handles the puck with a calculated sense that is reflective of his high hockey IQ. Whether executing a difficult pass to a teammate, instigating a takeaway from an opponent, or dangling an opposing goalie for a tally, Sennecke regularly displays his skill at controlling the puck.
Hockey IQ:
Sennecke sought to play like a larger skilled forward before he had the height to support it, working on his strength and skating skills. He has a level of agility and intelligence with his skating that has allowed him to create plays and maintain puck possession against opponents. His own spatial awareness and instinct of what to do with his body on the ice have created offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates.
“It is clear that he has worked on his agility and edges as it has become a strength of his skating profile, making him an elusive cover when moving East/West or when working the wall.”
Brock Otten, McKeen’s Hockey, January 9, 2024
Areas for Improvement:
Sennecke’s defensive game has room for development. His style of play has been more focused on being aware of offensive opportunities, but if Sennecke can use his intelligence and creativity in the same manner toward defensive play, he can be a legitimate two-way player. Additionally, he lacks consistency in his offensive abilities. Sometimes his attempts at puckhandling and creating plays backfire into turnovers. Other times, he’s unable to create scoring opportunities. He hasn’t faced lengthy droughts of struggling offensive play, and often a particular area of his game might be off while other elements are clicking.
Prospect Potential:
As Sennecke develops, he can bring a solid skating presence and play-making ability to whichever team selects him. With his vision, skating skills, puckhandling, and spatial awareness, he’s a promising young forward who should intrigue several organizations.
Best Potential Fit:
Sennecke’s size and skill make him a solid potential choice for the Montreal Canadiens, who hold the 26th pick in the draft. The Canadiens are in need of offensive help, having finished the 2023-2024 season 26th in the league in scoring. The Ottawa Senators are another team that could be a potential fit, with the 25th pick. The Senators struggled, in particular, with their special teams play and to maintain consistency this season. A skilled player like Sennecke could provide a needed boost on the power play. Should Sennecke trend higher in the draft order, which is very possible, he could be a target for the Detroit Red Wings with the 15th pick. Detroit, coming off a year in which they were just out of playoff contention, could use depth at the winger position.
Final Thoughts:
A unique player with a sense of creativity and high intelligence for the game, Beckett Sennecke has much potential to become a difference-maker for an NHL team. He holds the capability to be a strong two-way player, an asset for whichever club chooses to draft him.
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