After ranking the top 100 NHL prospects for 2015-16 and ranking each team by organizational depth, ESPN Insider Corey Pronman ranks the top 10 prospects for each NHL team. Here is his entry for the Ottawa Senators. Extended write-ups on prospects ranked in the top 100 can be read here.
While graduations and the dealing of draft picks have left the Senators system somewhat thin, in terms of top-end prospects, the pipeline is actually quite deep in above-average prospects. There are a number of quality-upside/question-mark type prospects here, as well as solid two-way players.
Mikael Wikstrand has played at a very high level against men in Sweden the past few years. He is not the most physical defenseman or a tremendous skater, but he is very intelligent and a high-end puck mover. He is fine in his own end, as well. He played heavy minutes in the SHL and will likely push for an NHL job in the not-too-distant future.
I was slightly critical of Thomas Chabot when he was drafted in the first round (No. 18 overall) this summer, but he looked really impressive at the Canadian under-20 camp. While I'm not sure where Ottawa is with respect to Chabot, I see a more reasonable case for him as a a low first- or early second-round pick. His skating is simply fantastic, especially considering he's not a small player. Chabot's talent makes him desirable, but cleaning up his decision-making and defense are the keys to the next step in his development.
Nick Paul has trended up significantly the past two years. He's big, strong and skilled, with good defensive capabilities. His skating has improved to about average as well. His potential point totals won't be gaudy, but he can make plays and contribute on chances. Matt Puempel got a brief NHL appearance this season after a strong AHL showing. He's gifted with the puck and has an elite shot. For him to take the next step, it's all about the stuff away from the puck, in terms of pace and generating takeaways.
Filip Chlapik is a skilled playmaker who displays very good hockey sense. His frame is pretty sturdy, and he shows a good power game in terms of puck protection and battling in the tough spaces. His speed is roughly average, and his stride is a little awkward in terms of his push-offs. Andreas Englund doesn't have a ton of offensive upside, but he is mobile for a bigger defenseman, plays the body and is very smart in his own end. He has also shown he has what it takes to play against men and stay above water.
Chris Wideman was one of the best defensemen in the AHL this past season, which isn't too impressive for a 25-year-old prospect, but he is certainly knocking on the NHL door. He's a great passer who can QB a power play, and though I'd prefer an extra gear to his speed (given his size), he's certainly an above-average skater who is OK in his own end. Francis Perron really impressed me with his offensive touch, as well as his speed and defensive play, this past season.
Ben Harpur (11th) is a solid defensive defenseman. He is big, plays the body and is very aware defensively. His skill and mobility are OK but could be better. Fredrik Claesson (12th) and Quentin Shore (13th) are quality two-way players. Tobias Lindberg (14th) showed great offensive flashes in the OHL this season, while Marcus Hogberg (15th) is a big, toolsy goaltender with upside.
Noteworthy prospect
Shane Prince had a very good third AHL season, in which he put up a ton of points (65 in 72 games for Binghamton). He's a flashy, skilled playmaker with great hands and above-average speed. His size and defense have always been the issues, but he has trended up from a bit of a long shot to a guy who is legitimately pushing for an NHL job.
2015-16 impact
Wikstrand and Wideman could push for NHL jobs during camp. If Wikstrand is the odd man out and sent down, he could be a real option for a midseason call-up. Puempel and Prince should also make cases at forward, with Puempel having a leg up in that race.