As I said yesterday, this year's draft isn't extremely deep and not stellar in the top end, and as a result after the top 2 of Nico Hischier and Nolan Patrick, anything can happen.

You are more likely to see a lot of wheeling and dealing as teams look for the spot to either trade up to grab a guy they like a lot, or down because they think they see something in a player that other teams don't and they can move down, grab another asset and still get their man. On the flipside, it makes predicting what will happen nearly impossible, and this draft more than any other I can remember is all over the place. And with the Senators picking 28th, there is even a greater spread of comparable players that could be taken which is when you count on your scouting staff to find that player who might have something other scouts have overlooked.

While this list could include 30 or 40 different players, I have picked 12 names that could be around when the Senators step to the podium, and might be intriguing selections.


I looked at a bunch of different rankings and mock drafts, and while there is no consensus this late in the round, most of these are in a lot of "first round" selections.

1. Nicolas Hague, D, Mississauga (OHL) - Towering blueliner (6'6", 210 lbs) with offensive potential and a growing defensive game. Mostly positive reviews, but mixed on his skating. Some see it as an issue while others aren't concerned and are confident he will adjust to his body size. He is also a left handed shot and would be a solid boon to the Senators blue line of the future. His ranking dropped from midseason in both Bob McKenzie and NHL Central Scouting, but was ranked as high as 17th in some mock drafts. McKenzie had him at 25 in his final rankings.

2. Robert Thomas, C, London (OHL) - Playmaking centre who had a point per game in the OHL, and added 12 points in 14 playoff games. Smart, good work ethic and comparable to fellow Knights alum Bo Horvat. Moved up in the draft rankings as the season went on and should be mid-20's but could slide a little.

3. Isaac Ratliffe, LW, Guelph (OHL) - A big frame (6'6", 200 lbs) who is still learning how to use it more effectively and needs to put on some weight. A prototype power forward who can score, something the Senators have been missing since Marian Hossa was dealt. He can skate and should be a menace when he fills out, although a couple of years away in terms of development. Looks pegged to go around the slot where the Senators are picking

4. Jason Robertson, LW, Kingston (OHL) - A sniper, scored 42 goals and 81 points this season for the Frontenacs. Added 5 goals and 18 points in 11 playoff games. 6'2", 195 lbs, scoring will not be an issue, but skating might be. Remind you of anyone? Perhaps the left-handed Mark Stone? Another riser from mid-term rankings.

5. Shane Bowers, C, Waterloo (USHL) - Not flashy, doesn't excel in any one area but is solid all-around. From the different scouting reports I have surmised he wouldn't be a home-run pick, but a safe one, and sort of reminds me of what was said about Colin White.

6. Filip Chytil, C, HC Zlin (CZE) - Another "200 foot player" who has some development to go but has played against men already. Speed is his biggest asset and he can play in any situation. Doesn't have gaudy stats but that is not unusual for an underaged player playing in top European leagues. Apparently the Senators like drafting guys named Filip (Chlapik, Ahl)

7. Ryan Poehling, C, St. Cloud State (NCHC) - Comparables to Jordan Staal, a two-way centre who was the youngest player in the NCAA this season. Scored only 13 points in 35 games, but has speed and high hockey IQ and playmaking ability.

8. Josh Norris, C, USA NTDP (USHL) - A shifty centre who will attend Michigan next season. "Energetic" seems to be the key word when describing him, and is equally adept at playmaking and scoring.

9. Kailer Yamamoto, RW, Spokane (WHL) - The obvious comparison is to Johnny Gaudreau, at 5'8" (or 5'9" depending who you ask) and around 160 lbs. He is speedy and a dynamic scorer. While size might be a slight concern, as the saying goes you can't hit what you can't catch. He would be the home-run pick if he were to fall to 28, which I am not sure he will.

10. Conor Timmins, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) - An aggressive defenseman who plays physical and can move the puck. Had 54 assists in 67 OHL games this season. High hockey IQ who plays well positionally.

11. Jake Oettinger, G, Boston University (NCAA) - With BU Alum Matt O'Connor not being given a qualifying offer, perhaps the Senators do take a chance and use a rare first round pick to take a goalie. It doesn't happen often, and Pierre Dorion said he probably wouldn't, but Oettinger (6'4", 212) is head and shoulders the top goaltending prospect in the draft.

12. Kole Lind, RW, Kelowna (WHL) - A bit off the board, is a high-scoring winger from the Western League. Thirty goals and 87 points to go along with 79 PIMs, he doesn't shy away. Lind could be one of the guys who falls to mid-late second round and then you look back to re-do the draft in 10 years and he is a top 10 or 15 pick after the fact.

So that is my board, with 12 names to look at, and although some of them will certainly be off the board by the time the Senators step up, some will be available to them. And given the parity of players, I could have added another dozen names and still not nailed who the Senators end up selecting.

That is what the draft is all about, and why many of you will sit in front of your TV for 3+ hours to see just how everything goes down.

Join the Discussion: » 10 Comments » Post New Comment

» Goodbye, and good luck!

» Can Colin White fill the #2C role as early as next year?

» Boucher staying put, at least for now

» Boucher Day

» Sens fall to #4 in draft lottery