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Top 10 Prospects: Ottawa Senators

August 3, 2012, 2:30 PM ET [57 Comments]
Brian Huddle
CHL and NHL Prospects • RSSArchiveCONTACT



Ottawa has built up a deep pool of prospects with some very good players rounding out the Top 10. Though they lack a high end blue-chipper after Zibanejad, they potentially have more depth in their second tier than almost any other NHL team. Some of their players remain close to making the jump (1-2 years), so Murray will have his hands full trying to keep the pipeline flowing as they continue to graduate.

1. Mika Zibanejad, Center
Djurgarden, SEL
6th Overall, 2011
6'3, 205 lbs

Mika competes all game long and brings a healthy dose of skill to the table. While big, he's not the type of power forward to beat you to a pulp, but rather wear you down physically and grind all game long. He brings soft hands, speed and a big shot to the table along with some good IQ for the game. He works hard in every zone and should make an NHL move sooner rather than later having played with men for a while now. Some do question if he'll be a center or a winger at the next level.
Upside: 1B Power Center
NHL Comparable: Ryan Kesler

2. Cody Ceci, Defense
Ottawa 67's, OHL
15th Overall, 2012
6'2, 203 lbs

Ceci is big. Ceci is skilled. Ceci is the type of player that a coach can throw out at any second of a game and know he'll do what he needs to do. He can play a very strong shutdown game, using his size and reach to angle opponents into submission. He can even transition the game, and carry the puck when the time comes. A big shooter, his game can be very opportune on the PP as well. A mean streak would go a long way with Cody.
Upside: Complimentary 2-3 Two-Way Defender
NHL Comparable: Brent Seabrook

3. Robin Lehner, Goalie
Binghamton Senators, AHL
46th Overall, 2009
6'4, 225 lbs

A big netminder, Lehner also conforms to a near-perfect butterfly technique. Having faced some adversity this year, Lehner will need to push back. Quick and agile, he shows the ability to play in a multitude of ways. He takes away the bottom of the net hard, and doesn't allow much to shoot at.
Upside: 50-60 Game Elite Goalie
NHL Comparable: Henrik Lundqvist

4. Shane Prince, Left Wing
Ottawa 67's, OHL
61st Overall, 2011
5'11, 190 lbs

Prince is booming. After a tremendous season last year in the A column, Prince exploded this year int he G column. A playmaker by definition, Prince grew as a player, shooting more and showing that he had more in his arsenal of offensive weapons. While small, Prince is known for his work ethic in all zones, and his high end vision and IQ.
Upside: Top Six Offensive Forward
NHL Comparable: Zach Parise-lite

5. Mark Stone, Right Wing
Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
178th Overall, 2010
6'3, 208 lbs

Stone is big, but Stone can shoot. While Mark will have to continue to improve his skating, he's shown an ability to find open space, make himself an option and be a one shot scorer. He'll need to be paired up with a top end center to get the best out of him, but Stone can bring it with his multitude of shots, or by getting in tight to the net.
Upside: Top Nine Scoring Power Forward
NHL Comparable: Scott Hartnell

6. Jakob Silfverberg, Forward
Brynas, SEL
39th Overall, 2009
6'1, 190 lbs

Silfverberg is the kind of prospect to get debates going. While some think he'll be more of a utility role player, some see stardom for this Swede. Hard on his skates, Silfverberg skates well and plays in all zones. He takes the puck to the net and enjoys success in tight.
Upside: 2nd Line Scoring Forward
NHL Comparable: Patrik Hornqvist

7. Stefan Noesen, Right Wing
Plymouth Whalers, OHL
21st Overall, 2011
6'1, 200 lbs

Noesen really stepped it up in Plymouth this year as a leader. An animal on the ice, he wore his heart on his sleeve. When he went down, his team felt the loss. He skates well, and PKs hard. His big body bring a power game, taking the puck to the net. At his best, he controls the play along the boards and moves in for opportunistic goals.
Upside: Top Nine Two-Way Power Forward
NHL Comparable: Corey Perry-lite

8. Matt Puempel
Kitchener Rangers, OHL
24th Overall, 2011
6'0, 190 lbs

Some stagnation has been seen in Puempel's game in the OHL. With a trade to Kitchener, the hope is for him to get back on course. He uses very good speed with a howitzer of a shot to be a threat at any moment. He has the ability to turn it on and off. He's deadly below the hash marks as a one shot shooter, when paired up with a good center. His overall game is lacking, and he'll need to mature on that should he move forward.
Upside: Top Six Scoring Forward
NHL Comparable: Alex Semin

9. Jarrod Maidens, Center
Owen Sound Attack, OHL
82nd Overall, 2012
6'2, 190 lbs

Maidens season was derailed by concussions. However he's got the ability to do good things long term as a sleeper. He's got a power game along with a real bullet of a shot. He's a tremendous goal scorer, but plays a hard-nosed 200 ft game. A speedy forward, he has some leadership qualities as well. At his best, Maidens powers into greasy areas and makes life tough for his opponent, usually out thinking them offensively and defensively.
Upside: Top Nine Power Center
NHL Comparable: David Backes

10. Stephane da Costa, Center
Binghamton Senators, AHL
Undrafted UFA
5'11, 180 lbs

Da Costa is a smart player who anticipates and sees the ice well. Creative with the puck, he makes nice soft passes and distributes well all over the ice. He can move through holes with agility and good edgework as well. He's got a hard shot, but tends to overpass. Some question his ability to overcome his size issues.
Upside: Top Six Playmaking Forward
NHL Comparable:

System Graduates: Jared Cowen, Zack Smith
Honorable Mentions: Patrick Wiercoch
Traded: David Rundblad
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