One of the questions that was being thrown around Vancouver media circles following the four-game series between the Canucks and Ottawa Senators asked which team’s young core provided more promise for the future. Both of these teams, currently sitting at the bottom of the standings, have pieces that provide optimism for the future. So, I figured it made sense to bring that question here for discussion.
Fans in Ottawa are intimately familiar with the bevy of young talent that the Senators have acquired over the last handful of years. Thomas Chabot is already a bona fide number-one defenceman. Brady Tkachuk brings an unparalleled play-driving skill set matched with an uncanny ability to torment opponents. Josh Norris is showing signs that he can be an effective top-six centre. Drake Batherson is proving that his success in the American Hockey League was no mirage. Oh, and then there’s Tim Stützle, who – despite some struggles in this rookie campaign – has demonstrated flashes that suggest he can be a uniquely gifted contributor down the road.
As the last few weeks have shown, this Senators group’s best path to competitiveness is relying on those young players to drive the bus. If Pierre Dorion can resist the urge to land players like Erik Gudbranson, or Cedric Paquette, or whoever else, there’s reason to believe that this Senators core can lead a competitive hockey club as soon as next season. They may not be a Stanley Cup contender right away, but they will surprise a lot of people.
Of course, the Senators aren’t the only team in this North Division with a promising young core. With Elias Pettersson, the Canucks boast one of the most talented young players in the game. Even though his season this year has been mired by injury and underperformance, his play last season was worthy of ultra-high praise; Pettersson is, more often than not, worth the price of admission. Then there’s Brock Boeser, who – when he’s on his game – has a shot that rivals that of anyone else in the league. And Quinn Hughes, who represents the very definition of that next generation of defenders that live the “offence is the best defence” mantra. There’s also Bo Horvat, a player mature beyond his years and an effective top-six pivot.
Because this game could turn into a quantity vs. quality, I’m going to simplify the ask. Would you rather have the trio of Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, and Tim Stützle, or the trio of Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, and Quinn Hughes? Let me know in the poll below.
Which team's trio would you rather have on your team?
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