The Ottawa Senators have a group of promising prospects looking to make their mark in the NHL. Here are five prospects who could crack the Senators roster ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season:
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Angus Crookshank
Angus Crookshank, who was drafted 126th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, has developed into a dynamic forward with a knack for scoring. The 24-year-old just recently signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Senators. He made his NHL debut last year, playing 13 games, and was able to put up three points. Crookshank is known for his quick release and excellent hockey sense. His play in the AHL with the Belleville Senators has been impressive, demonstrating his readiness for the next level. To secure a spot on the Senators’ roster, Crookshank will need to continue his strong play in training camp and preseason. His versatility to play both wings adds to his value, potentially earning him a spot on the third or fourth line.
Tyler Kleven
Tyler Kleven, drafted 44th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, is a defenseman known for his physicality and strong defensive play. His time at the University of North Dakota and the Belleville Senators has been instrumental in refining his game and preparing him for professional hockey. Kleven’s ability to play a tough, defensive game makes him an intriguing prospect for the Senators. He has played 17 games in the NHL over the past two seasons but has yet to score his first goal. To earn a spot on the Senators’ roster, Kleven will need to showcase his defensive reliability and physical play in training camp. His ability to be physical and play a shutdown role could make him a valuable addition to the Senators’ blue line.
Zack Ostapchuk
Zack Ostapchuk was selected 39th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. Standing at 6’3″, he brings a combination of size and skill that is highly coveted in the NHL. Zack made his NHL debut last season and played a total of seven games in the NHL. He excels in puck battles and has a powerful shot that can beat goaltenders from a distance. His two-way game is also developing, making him a potential asset in various situations. Ostapchuk’s size and physicality could be his ticket to the NHL. If he can impress the coaching staff with his play in the corners and in front of the net, he could find himself in a bottom-six role, adding grit and secondary scoring to the Senators’ lineup.
Jorian Donovan
Jorian Donovan, a defenseman drafted 136th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, has been steadily developing his game. He just recently helped lead the Saginaw Spirit to a Memorial Cup Championship. Donovan is known for his smooth skating and ability to transition the puck out of the defensive zone. His vision and passing skills are top-notch, making him an effective playmaker from the blue line. For Donovan to make the Senators’ roster, he will need to demonstrate his ability to handle the physicality of the NHL and continue to improve his defensive game. His offensive upside could make him a valuable asset on the power play.
Roby Järventie
Roby Järventie, selected 33rd overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, is a Finnish forward with a high offensive ceiling. His play in Finland’s Liiga and with the Belleville Senators has highlighted his scoring touch and offensive instincts. He also made his NHL debut this past season, playing seven games, but was only able to put up one point. Järventie will need to continue to develop his consistency and defensive game to secure a spot on the Senators’ roster. If he can translate his offensive skills to the NHL level and prove himself reliable defensively, he could become a bottom-six forward for Ottawa.
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