For the first time in months, you can look forward to Senators Hockey again. The prospects are set to finish off their rookie camp with the Prospect Challenge in Buffalo, playing three games across four days. Here are some key players to look out for across the three-game tournament.
On the offensive side, there are a lot of new faces. 11 of the 15 forwards are participating in their first prospect challenge. Notable returning players are Tyler Boucher and Philippe Daoust, both gearing up for the third time.
Boucher is a product of the US National Team who also spent time at Boston University and in the Ottawa 67s program. His young career, however, has been plagued with injuries, playing only 21 games in the 2023-2024 season with the Belleville Senators.
Ahead of camp this year, Boucher says he’s fully healthy and has a positive mindset heading into rookie camp and the prospect challenge. All the injuries he’s faced, from knee to shoulder to groin, have taken a toll on his mental health Boucher opened up. However, with a good mindset and seemingly healthy physical health heading into camp this year, it will be really interesting to see what the 2021 10th overall pick can do for the Sens.
If he can crack the line-up, Boucher’s style of play will fit perfectly with the Sens grit up front.
Philippe Daoust is another guy with great upside who has been held back by injury. The 2001-born center wasn’t always the top name on everyone’s prospect list and slipped through the OHL prospect draft, but the Senators saw his potential, taking him in the 6th round of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Daoust swerved the OHL route and ended up in the QMJHL after a season of junior in the northern league. He was invited to the Moncton Wildcats training camp in 2019 and made the team, scoring 29 points in 53 games. Daoust spent another year with the Wildcats before being traded to the Saint John Sea Dogs, tallying 6 assists in their four-game Memorial Cup run.
The center has shown potential in his limited time with the Belleville Senators but has struggled to stay healthy. Daoust is another guy who has major upside if he can be an everyday player and is definitely a guy to keep an eye on during the three-game prospect tournament.
As for the new names on the offensive side, Oskar Petterson, Stephen Halliday, and Jake Chaisson are guys who will be looking to make an impression. Although none of them are likely to play for the Ottawa Senators this season, they will likely be a key part moving forward in Belleville.
The bulk of the Senator’s key prospects reside at the blue line. Notable names like Carter Yakemchuck, Jorian Donovan, and Matthew Andonovski will all take part in the tournament, and all have a shot at cracking the lineup.
Yakemchuck is the biggest name to watch this fall as he was drafted back in June to the Sens 7th overall. It will be interesting to see how he works against some of the older guys he will face in the tournament.
Andonovski has played three seasons with the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL and was a key piece in their playoff run in the 2024 season. The defender was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, and in his second prospect challenge appearance, he will be looking to stand out as he makes his way up the prospect ranks.
Lastly, Jorian Donovan will make his third prospect appearance for the Sens, looking to build off his successful 2024 season. Donovan started his year playing for Canada at the World Junior Championship and finished the junior season with a Memorial Cup Championship with Saginaw.
In his three OHL seasons, Donovan has made the playoffs every year. Twice with the Hamilton Bulldogs and once with the Spirit. Each postseason he has become more and more of a key piece finishing with 9 points in 12 games for Saginaw in their last run.
The 20-year-old defender has had limited games with the Belleville Senators but will likely spend his season there this year. Heading into camp, he will be looking to have a solid showing, to prove his consistency on the back end.
Finally, in net Leevi Merilainen is making his second prospect appearance and remains the Sen’s top prospect between the pipes. However, Michael Simpson has made a case for himself, earning back-to-back Memorial Cup appearances and a playoff MVP nod. Both will likely spend their 2024-2025 season in Belleville.
