With training camp approaching the amount of stories on the Senators is expanding.  Here are the most interesting ones:

-Sylvain St-Laurent of Le Droit interviewed Robin Lehner (http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/sports/senateurs-dottawa/201108/30/01-4430226-robin-lehner-ne-cache-pas-son-ambition.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=cyberpresse_ B9_sports_101983_section_POS1).  There’s not much new in the article other than Lehner mentioning that Tim Murray “came to me 24 hours before my first game to tell me that my turn had come. He told me we would soon see if I had the makings of a star.”   Lehner continues to believe the best thing for his development would be to stay in the NHL.

-Bobby Kelly of The Silver Seven looks at Ottawa’s rookie tournament roster (http://www.silversevensens.com/2011/8/31/2393986/senators-prospects-rookie-camping#storyjump).  He provides a little information on invite Matej Machovsky as well as (I believe) erroneously suggesting the team picked Jordan Fransoo over Craig Schira to attend.  Schira, like Mike Hoffman and others, were excluded both due to the numbers and the fact that he’s attended two prior camps.

-James Gordon of Senators Extra comes to the defence of Brian Lee (senatorsextra.com/main/lee-the-forgotten-man-but-he-deserves-better/), saying “While it seems like Lee has been around forever, he’s still only 24 years old. He stands at 6’3, 208 lbs. with fine speed and possible upside. His cap hit is a very manageable $875,000 for someone who could turn out to be a solid NHL defenceman. Is this the kind of player the Senators want to give up on now?”  I’m not sure there’s any upside left to be explored in Lee, but he can at least play without hurting the team.

-James Mirtle of The Globe & Mail talks about the Swedish movement within the Senators (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/senators-pin-hopes-on-swedish-movement/article2147972/).  Mirtle credits former scout Anders Forsberg for that as well as Bryan Murray.  I’m not sure about the origins of Murray’s Swedish obsession (Mirtle credits it to his days as GM in Detroit, but there’s no similar trend when he was GM in Anaheim).  The primary focus of the article is David Rundblad, with Randy Lee saying “Some people are going to be surprised at his compete level. He’s not that big a guy, but he competes.”

-Rob Brodie of the Senators website wrote about training camp (senators.nhl.com/ club/news.htm?id=587464).  It includes an odd quote from Murray “We all know there are certain jobs that are just there. Nobody’s going to take the job (away). But now, with the the direction we’ve gone, we’ve got some decisions to make and these kids aren’t being held back. They feel they have a chance“–is he saying jobs are open or not?  I believe the intention is to say some jobs are open, but not all jobs.  Zibanejad says “I want to give the coaches a hard decision (about whether) to keep me  here or send me back home. Hopefully, I can stay here in  Ottawa.”  Murray also comments on Filatov, “He didn’t have a great (experience) in Columbus’ organization and there were a lot of factors involved. Maybe the first factor was him playing (in the NHL) at 18 years old and the expectations that went with him going sixth overall. They’re huge and they’re out of his control. It probably wasn’t a great fit and he probably has to take some responsibility on why it didn’t work. But we’ve wiped the slate clean here. We’ve told him that we’re going to give him every opportunity to be an important player for us, to play in our six, if he can prove that he belongs there. We’re going to do the right hing and we’re not going to hand him anything. So he’s here now and he’s working out with our veteran guys, and he’s getting a good look at what it takes … to be a good pro. I’m excited to see him (at camp) and hoping for the best.”

-Jared Crozier of Senshot has a delightful interview with Shane Prince‘s sister about her brother (http://senshot.com/2011/08/31/prospect-profile-shane-prince-through-the-eyes-of-a-little-sister/).  It includes a brief scouting report at the end of it, with Crozier saying in part “He is a strong skater, good playmaker and possesses an above average shot.  He is not huge, but will get bigger in time.  In his own end he is more than adequate, as you have to be in the 67′s system.”

–David Rundblad is blogging for a local Skelleftea newspaper (it is in Swedish): http://norran.se/bloggar/davidrundblad

–The Team 1200 (http://www.facebook.com/TEAM1200) interviewed Mark Stone yesterday (August 30th) and Erik Karlsson today (August 31st)

August 31, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 2 Comments

Since my earlier article (https://eyeonthesens.wordpress.com/2011/07/23/the-binghamton-senators-roster-changes-and-potential-lineup/) the Senators have re-signed Kaspars Daugavins (Aug 3), lost Lee Sweatt to retirement (Aug 12), and signed three players to AHL contracts (Bobby Raymond, Josh Godfrey, and Jack Downing).  While we can expect a goalie to be signed for Elmira (ECHL), these moves appear to round out the AHL roster.

In my earlier look at Binghamton I mentioned the team had lost 6 of their top-10 scoring forwards, but with Daugavins back in the fold the total is knocked down to 5.  Similarly, the number of goals out of the line up has been reduced to 153 of their 255 goals (60%).  It’s a question mark whether the ECHL blueliners (Raymond and Godfrey) collectively replace Sweatt, but they provide extra depth and mean Craig Schira will be taking a regular shift.  Before I get into the lineup, here’s a reminder of who has departed:

Forwards (9)
Ryan Keller (71-32-19-51) – the UFA signed with the Edmonton Oilers (www.tsn.ca/nhl/ story/?id=370939)
Ryan Potulny (71-21-28-49) – the Sens did not qualify him and he signed with Washington (http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568219)
Erik Condra (55-17-30-47) – he signed a two-year, one-way deal with Ottawa
Roman Wick (70-20-22-42) – although qualified as an RFA, he signed a deal with his former team Kloten of the NLA (http://www.hockeysverige.se/article/12039252/wick-ger-upp-nhl-drommen)
Colin Greening (59-15-25-40) – he signed a three-year, one-way deal with Ottawa
Bobby Butler (47-22-11-33) – he signed a two-year, one-way deal with Ottawa
Cody Bass (58-6-9-15) – the Sens did not qualify him and he signed with Columbus (www.falconsahl.com/index.php?id=1801)
Zack Smith (22-7-5-12) – he signed a two-year, one-way deal with Ottawa
Jason Bailey, RW (43-2-0-2) – the former Ottawa 67 was an RFA who was not qualified; he is currently without a team

Blueliners (5)
Andre Benoit (73-11-44-55) – the UFA signed with Spartak Moscow of the KHL (http://www.spartak.ru/press/news/item6968/)
Derek Smith (71-10-44-54) – the UFA signed with Calgary (flames.nhl.com/club/ news.htm?id=569161)
Geoff Kinrade (78-6-19-25) – although qualified as an RFA, he signed with Plzen of the Czech Elite League (http://www.hcplzen.cz/clanek.asp?id=6075)
David Hale (36-2-4-6) – currently unsigned, the UFA was rumoured to be headed to Europe (http://twitter.com/#!/SunGarrioch for July 6th)
Lee Sweatt (41-5-9-14) – he unexpectedly retired without ever suiting up for Binghamton (twitter.com/#!/NortonSports/ status/102063195795111936)

Goaltenders (2)
Barry Brust (52-29-19-2, 2.53, 0.925) – the UFA signed with the Straubing Tigers of the DEL (www.tigershockey.de/page/news/ article.php?article_file=1310911270.txt)
Mike Brodeur (9-3-5-0, 2.93, 0.903) – the injury-plagued UFA is currently without a team

The additions to the roster:

Forwards (8)
Mark Parrish (56-17-34-51) – the free agent played for the Portland Pirates in Buffalo’s system last year
Stephane Da Costa (NCAA 33-14-31-45) – the college free agent was signed towards the end of last year
Pat Cannone (NCAA 39-14-23-37) – the college free agent was signed towards the end of last year
Derek Grant (NCAA 38-8-25-33) – the 2008 fourth round draft pick left Michigan State after two years to turn pro
Louie Caporusso (NCAA 41-11-20-31) – the 2007 third round draft pick completed his senior year at the University of Michigan
Andre Petersson (SEL 31-8-4-12) – the 2008 fourth round pick was signed after finishing his second full year in the SEL
Wacey Hamilton (WHL 67-20-53-73) – the captain of the Medicine Hat Tigers was signed as a free agent
Jack Downing (NCAA 36-13-5-18) – the big free agent right-winger was signed to an AHL-deal after four years at the University of Vermont

Blueliners (5)
Tim Conboy (70-0-12-12) – the free agent played for the Portland Pirates in Buffalo’s system last year
Jared Cowen (WHL 58-18-30-48) – the 2009 first round pick will play his first pro season
Mark Borowiecki (NCAA 31-3-8-11) – the 2008 fifth round pick left Clarkson a year early to turn pro
Bobby Raymond (ECHL 72-8-26-34) – he was part of Binghamton’s Calder Cup run and was signed to an AHL deal
Josh Godfrey (ECHL 49-15-12-27) – a former second-round pick of the Washington Capitals, he spent the bulk of his three-year ELC in the ECHL; he’s signed to an AHL deal

Goaltenders (1)
Mike McKenna (39-14-20-2, 3.61, 0.886) – the free agent goaltender was signed out of the Devil’s system in Albany

Players returning to the roster:

Forwards (7)
Corey Locke (69-21-65-86) – the reigning AHL MVP returns for the final year of his deal
Jim O’Brien (74-24-32-56) – the 2007 first round pick had a great sophomore campaign and will look to improve on it in the final year of his ELC
Kaspars Daugavins (73-19-35-54) – he enjoyed a fantastic playoff and, after rejecting his ELC, accepted a one-year deal that included a high AHL-salary
Mike Hoffman (74-7-18-25) – the 2009 fifth round pick will look to take a step forward
David Dziurzynski (75-6-14-20) – the 2010 free agent out of the BCHL looks to take another step forward in his sophomore year
Corey Cowick (30-1-3-4) – it was a rookie year to forget for the 2009 sixth rounder
Francis Lessard (36-2-1-3) – the veteran heavyweight will return for another season

Blueliners (3)
Patrick Wiercioch (67-4-14-18) – a rough rookie year for the 2008 second rounder
Craig Schira (67-3-10-13) – the 2009 WHL free agent’s numbers tumbled in his sophomore year
Eric Gryba (66-3-4-7) – Ottawa’s 2006 third round pick was Binghamton’s rookie of the year and is in the final year of his ELC

Goaltenders (1)
Robin Lehner (22-10-8-2, 2.70, 0.912) – the 2009 second rounder will look to build off his incredible playoff run

How players perform in training camp will have a huge impact on all the prospects (I am assuming here that David Rundblad remains in Ottawa while Jared Cowen is sent down), but here are a few reasonable predictions regarding Binghamton’s lineup:
1. Top-six forwards: Locke, Daugavins, O’Brien, and Parrish
2. Top-four blueliners: Wiercioch, Cowen, and Gryba
3. The goaltending situation is obvious: Lehner starts, McKenna backs-up

Of the remaining forwards, Mike Hoffman and Stephane Da Costa are the most likely players to fit into the top-six.  On the blueline, I believe Borowiecki and Conboy will battle it out for the other top-four position.  Given these assumptions, here’s my guess at the starting lineup:

Kaspars Daugavins-Corey Locke-Mark Parrish
Parrish seems like the most logical player to line up on the right side, although I don’t think he’s guaranteed to remain on the top line just because of his experience.
Mike Hoffman-Stephane Da Costa-Jim O’Brien
While I think Hoffman is better at center, given the makeup of the roster I believe he’ll play on the wing.  The team is also short on the right side and there’s no way Da Costa will play there, so I believe O’Brien will slide over.
Derek Grant-David Dziurzynski-Andre Petersson
This line could also have Grant in the middle.  I don’t think Petersson is effective as a fourth-liner and would be helped playing with the big bodies of Dziurzynski and Grant (both of whom are excellent playmakers).
Pat Cannone-Louie Caporusso-Francis Lessard
An interesting mix, as both Cannone and Caporusso bring skill to the table while Lessard adds physicality.  I think it will be tough for Corey Cowick to get into the lineup with all the depth at leftwing (although he’s a more physical option than Cannone), while Wacey Hamilton has more flexibility because he can play center.  I don’t believe Lessard will always be in the lineup, which will allow the scratches to rotate in.  The newly signed Downing remains a potential call-up from Elmira.

Cowen-Gryba
Not a fun combination to play against.  Not the most fleet of foot duo, but particularly in the AHL they should create some havoc.  Both are excellent defensively.
Wiercioch-Borowiecki
While one of them would be playing on his offside here, I’ll give them credit to be able to switch and beat out the veteran Conboy (otherwise I think Borowiecki slides down to the bottom pair).
Conboy-Schira
I’m not sure which is better at playing his weak side, but I believe they make a logical combination (size and toughness paired with skill).  This leaves the AHL-contract blueliners out of the lineup (Raymond and Godfrey).

How the team will perform overall is hard to say given the amount of turnover in the AHL.  The forwards are younger and smaller while the blueline is younger and bigger.  I expect the team will compete for a playoff spot with their fate locked into how their goaltenders perform.  If the organisation can land yet another good ECHL option in goal (like Barry Brust last year or Chris Holt the year before) then I like their chances.

A few related links:
Bobby Butler comments on Robin Lehner‘s growing maturity (July 15th): www.facebook.com/TEAM1200
Tim Murray calls Mark Borowiecki an NHL player (June 28th): www.facebook.com/TEAM1200
Bryan Murray says Mike Hoffman looks like an NHL player: senators.nhl.com/club/ news.htm?id=569478

August 29, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 2 Comments

Here’s a look at Binghamton’s veterans on two-way contracts.

Corey Locke, C, Contract: 0.550/12 (UFA)
4-113 2003 Mtl (Gainey), 5’9, Shoots L, YOB 1984, Newmarket, Ont
2008-09 AHL 76-25-52-77 60pim
2009-10 AHL 76-31-54-85 44pim
2010-11 AHL 69-21-65-86 42pim

The AHL’s MVP and a two-time Calder Cup winner, assistant captain Corey Locke lead the league in points and assists and is becoming increasingly dominant at the minor league level.  The issue for Locke, besides his size, is his speed.  This summer he’s working out with Zenon Konopka‘s skating coach to try to improve his speed.  There’s a good chance Locke will be called up during the season, but his primary role is in Binghamton and there’s no reason to think he won’t lead them in scoring again this year with 80-85 points.  His old Hockey Futures profile: www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/corey_locke

Mark Parrish, RW,  Contract: 0.650/12 (UFA)
3-79 1996 Col (Lacroix), 5’11, Shoots R, YOB 1977, Bloomington, MN
2008-09 NHL 44-7-6-13 18pim
2009-10 AHL 56-17-21-38 32pim
2009-10 NHL 16-0-2-2 4pim
2010-11 AHL 56-17-34-51 12pim

Parrish spent 10 years as an NHL-regular before his declining performance landed him in the AHL.  After an indifferent season with Norfolk in 2009-10, Parrish earned himself a contract with a strong year in Portland (finishing 5th in team scoring).  Known for his goal scoring, Parrish helps solidify Binghamton’s weak right side (featuring Andre Petersson and Francis Lessard).  I don’t believe Parrish is a likely call-up.  He has no development left and for a rebuilding team the organisation will want to give younger players NHL experience.  If Parrish stays healthy he should produce 60-65 points.

Francis Lessard, RW,  Contract: 0.550/12 (UFA)
3-80 1997 Car (Rutherford), 6’2, Shoots R, YOB 1979, Montreal, QU
2008-09 58-2-2-4 324pim (27 fights)
2009-10 61-2-2-4 289pim (21 fights)
2010-11 36-2-1-3 187pim (18 fights)
2010-11 24-0-0-0 78pim (4 fights)

A career pugilist, Lessard was able to return to the NHL after a five-year absence due to Ottawa’s roster-cutting.  There’s no question he will spend the year in the AHL, where he will fight and accomplish little else.  He was retained to prevent prospects like Eric Gryba from having to become enforcers.

Tim Conboy, D,  Contract: 0.600/12 (UFA)
7-217 2002 SJ (Lombardi), 6’2, Shoots R, YOB 1982, Farmington, MN
2008-09 AHL 39-1-5-6 127pim (5 fights)
2008-09 NHL 28-0-1-1 37pim (5 fights)
2009-10 AHL37-0-3-3 87pim (5 fights)
2009-10 NHL 12-0-0-0 24pim (4 fights)
2010-11 AHL 70-0-12-12 233pim (21 fights)

A physical, defensive defenceman who is coming off his most productive season since 2005-06, Conboy will help protect the younger players and the crease in Binghamton.  Given the organisation’s blueline depth he has no hope of being a call-up.  To quote an old scouting report on him, “Conboy doesn’t have much offensive upside, as he is content at staying at the redline and wait for the play to come to him, then flatten forwards who get near him. His skating is average, but he is solid positionally, and if players allow themselves to get into the open ice, they can be assured to be flattened in short order” (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/4717/sharks2002_draft_review/).  A good year would see him putting up 10 points.

Mike McKenna, G, Contract: 0.550/12 (UFA)
6-172 2002 Nsh (Poile), 6’2, Catches R, YOB 1983, St. Louis, MO
2008-09 AHL 24-11-10-1 2.97 GAA .904 SV%
2008-09 NHL 15-4-8-1 3.56 GAA .887 SV%
2009-10 AHL 50-24-17-6 2.47 GAA .921 SV%
2010-11 AHL 39-14-20-2 3.61 GAA .886 SV%

A journeyman goaltender coming off a rough season in Albany, McKenna is playing for his sixth organisation in seven years.  He is no threat to Robin Lehner as the starter and unless the sophomore struggles I’d expect McKenna to get no more than 20-25 starts (winning half his games).

August 26, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

This is the ninth and final profile on prospects expected to play for the Binghamton Senators.

Robin Lehner, G, Contract: 0.9/13 (RFA)
2-46 2009 (Murray), 6’4, Shoots L, YOB 1991, Goteborg, Swe
2009-10 OHL 27-13-3 2.80 GAA 0.918 SV%
2010-11 AHL 10-8-2 2.70 GAA 0.912 SV%
2010-11 NHL 1-4-0 3.52 GAA 0.888 SV%

Selected by Murray with the pick acquired in the Leclaire–Vermette trade (the only goalie selected by Murray and the first by Ottawa since Ryan Daniels in 2006), Lehner was regarded as the best goaltending prospect in Europe, but was the second picked behind Islander overager Mikko Koskinen (bleacherreport.com/articles/216548-nhl-entry-draft-revealing-the-top-drafted-goaltenders).  He played in the Frolunda system in Sweden, but Senators brass were happy that he was planning to play in the OHL before he was drafted.  He was selected by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and spent a year with them.  Here’s Hockey Futures talent analysis the year he was drafted: “A butterfly goalie with excellent size and good overall skills. Uses his big frame to his advantage and challenges the shooters, although perhaps not with the desired consistency. Rebound control is poor, but overall mobility quite impressive for a big guy. Moves pretty well side to side and is tough to beat down low” (www.hockeysfuture.com/ prospects/robin_lehner).

Lehner took over the starting job at the Sault from the undrafted Bryce O’Hagan and was named both an OHL all-star and the Sault’s MVP.  This past season the intention was for Lehner to be the starter in Binghamton with Mike Brodeur providing support, but the health issues of both Pascal Leclaire and Brodeur played havoc with that plan.  Lehner started the year backing up Brian Elliott and only played one game in the AHL in October.  The following two months were largely spent with Binghamton (12-3-7-1), but Lehner himself was injured for a time.  The Senators loaned him to Sweden to participate in the WJC, but he split time with Fredrik Pettersson-Wentzel (Winnipeg fifth-rounder) and lost the semi-final game against Russia in part because of a blown call (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1kmZWCo5CI&feature=related).

When he returned he again needed to backup Elliott and bounced between the NHL and AHL for the next two months.  With the acquisition of Craig Anderson and Curtis McElhinney in February there was no need for Lehner to remain in Ottawa, but he was injured in early March and missed even more time.  When he was finally healthy Barry Brust (signed to an AHL contract and intended to be the team’s ECHL goalie) was well-established as the starter.  Brust was in net for Binghamton in their opening series against Manchester, but Lehner regained the job with the team down 3-1.  He proceeded to go on a ridiculous run (14 wins in 19 starts, 2.10 GAA, .939 SV%), becoming only the fourth teenage goaltender to win a Calder Cup (along with Carey Price, Patrick Roy, and Gordie Bell) and was named the playoff MVP (www.jacketscannon.com/2011/6/8/ 2213043/today-in-the-a-senators-win-calder-cup).

The organisation let Lehner skip this year’s development camp and he returns to training camp as the undisputed starter in Binghamton (backed up by Mike McKenna, www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Robin+Lehner+learning+curve+over/4917926/story.html).  I believe Lehner will outplay Alex Auld in training camp, but the team wants him to start 50-60 games and that won’t happen at the NHL level.  If Lehner can stay healthy he should improve on last year’s regular season totals and get 30-35 wins.

Lehner interviewed prior to the draft: www.hockeysfuture.com/ articles/11141/2009_prospects_robin_lehner/
Sens scouts interviewed about Lehner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMkg7LSKccY
Lehner interviewed at the 2009 development camp: video.senators.nhl.com/ videocenter/console?id=44936
Highlights from the Leafs/Sens rookie tournament game in 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Mj3KfkdNU
Fights Ramis Sadikov in the OHL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX0dYRNxDlE
Interviewed during the Calder Cup run: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okrgPw-X-mU
Bobby Butler comments on Lehner‘s growing maturity (July 15th): www.facebook.com/TEAM1200

With all the prospect profiles completed, in my next article I’ll take a look at the other pieces within the organisation (the AHL veterans like Corey Locke).

August 25, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment

This is the eighth profile on prospects expected to play for the Binghamton Senators.

Kaspars Daugavins, LW, Contract: 0.600/12 (RFA)
3-91 2006 (Muckler), 6’0, Shoots L, YOB 1988, Riga, LAT
2008-09 AHL 23-2-1-3 9pim (1 fight)
2008-09 OHL 30-11-17-28 35pim (1 fight)
2009-10 AHL 72-21-25-46 16pim
2010-11 AHL 73-19-35-54 34pim

Picked in John Muckler’s last draft, Daugavins was playing for HK Riga in Latvia and was overlooked by Central Scouting (although he was ranked #118 by ISS); he came to the attention of scouts at the WJC.  After he was drafted Daugavins joined the St. Michael’s Majors of the OHL.  He played two full seasons in the OHL before turning pro.

Daugavins joined Cory Clouston’s squad in Binghamton for the 2008-09 season, but struggled and was loaned to the Majors in late December (www.mississauga.com/ article/25937).  He put up his usual numbers back in junior.  The following season, under coach Don Nachbaur, Daugavins finally found his stride as a pro.  He finished sixth in scoring on the team and earned his only NHL call-up.

Coming into this past season, Daugavins was expected to be a key figure in Binghamton and one of the primary candidates to be called up in case of injury.  He had a slow start and was a healthy scratch five times in November.  After that experience, Daugavins hit his stride and caught fire (56-46), finishing fourth in scoring.  The Senators tried calling him up late in the season, but on that occasion he was injured.  Daugavins was a force in the playoffs, finishing third in scoring and first among prospects.  He described the playoff experience as “The run to the Calder Cup was hard, but it paid off and was such a great feeling.  I finally felt like a champion and was happy for all the work we put in during the season” (http://www.puckagency.com/ 2011/07/13/the-legend-of-kaspars-daugavins-continues-to-grow/).

Entering the off-season the Senators qualified Daugavins, but he didn’t immediately accept and he signed a tryout contract in the KHL (www.dinamoriga.eu/lv/news/view/ parbaudes-laika-ligumi-ar-vairakiem-hokejistiem).  The tryout wouldn’t affect his future in North America, but left many wondering if Daugavins would report to the Sens.  In August he signed a new deal (not his qualifying offer) that included a slight raise in his NHL salary (600k) and a significant increase in his AHL salary (105k).  It’s assumed that he will report not just to training camp but to the AHL as well.

The issue that Daugavins struggled with this past season was conditioning, which may explain his desire to join a KHL training camp (European camps open earlier than their North American counterparts).  I don’t believe he has a chance to make the Senators out of training camp, although he’s an obvious choice to be called up.  His production in Binghamton should take another step forward, so assuming he stays healthy 60-65 points can be expected.

His Hockey Futures profile: www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/kaspars_daugavins
A great shootout goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkIXY_5m7Dg
Interviewed in the Calder Cup playoffs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vce9x1ivC7o
OT winner against Manchester: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlsK-YCz1ok

Next up is Robin Lehner.

August 24, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

This is the seventh profile on prospects expected to play for the Binghamton Senators.

Corey Cowick, LW, Contract: 0.611/13 (RFA)
6-160 2009 (Murray), 6’2, Shoots L, YOB 1989, Gloucester, Ont
2008-09 OHL 68-34-26-60 48pim (2 fights)
2009-10 OHL 27-15-6-21 33pim (1 fight)
2010-11 ECHL 31-5-9-14 76pim
2010-11 AHL 30-1-3-4 20pim (2 fights)

Only the second Ottawa 67 ever drafted by the Senators (the others are Will Colbert in 2003 and Shane Prince this year), Cowick was coming off his best year in the OHL.  A power forward whose career kicked off when he was brought to Ottawa from Oshawa, the hope was for continued improvement in his final season in the OHL.  Unfortunately for Cowick, he was injured in the pre-season and played only 27 games.

Coming into his first training camp, Cowick was optimistic, “I just want to turn more heads.  At development camp I think I did a good job of establishing myself as a player in the organization. I just want to continue that and take it day-by-day.  I want to get in an exhibition game, so I want to prove myself enough at this rookie tournament so that I don’t give them a choice. I want to make them have to put me in an exhibition game and then go from there.  For me, everything stays the same. It doesn’t matter where I am. I’m going to go out and hit as many people as I can. I don’t want to try to do too much and hinder my game.”  Pierre Dorion said of Cowick, “Down the road, he’s got a big spot in our organization.  We see him as a shutdown kind of guy who is going to play some important minutes against the other teams’ top lines in the future or even near future. What he’s got to work on is just executing quicker and moving the puck quicker. If he’s able to do things at a quicker pace, I think he’ll have a realistic chance of making our team” (http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2010/09/10/15314321.html).

His rookie season did not go according to plan.  Cowick began the year in Binghamton as a healthy scratch, with his primary competition for ice time being David Dziurzynski.  When he did make it into the lineup, he got suckered into a fight with John Kurtz who concussed him.  When Cowick was healthy again in mid-November there was no room on the roster for him, so he was sent to Elmira in the ECHL.  Cowick remained in Elmira until mid-February, his numbers insignificant, with rumours of him clashing with coach Malcolm Cameron (who was fired in February).  When NHL call-ups made room for him, Cowick enjoyed a good couple of weeks (scoring all his AHL points of the season) before becoming an unproductive fourth line player.  With the return of all the NHL call-ups, he had no hope of getting into Binghamton’s lineup for the playoffs.

When he was interviewed this summer, Cowick talked about his lost development opportunity (www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Sens+prospect+Corey+Cowick/5013381/ story.html?cid=megadrop_story), but said he wasn’t looking for a change of scenery and wanted to move up on the depth chart.  Going into this year’s training camp, Cowick will be trying to make Binghamton’s roster, not Ottawa’s.  I believe he’ll have a difficult time getting into the lineup; he will need to either start producing or else increase his physical play.  Assuming he stays healthy and plays a full season, Cowick could put up 10-15 points.

Interviewed after being drafted: http://video.senators.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=45112
Concussed by John Kurtz: http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/97722
Fights Jake Carrick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqq_E83COQ8
Cowick and Borowiecki‘s day with the Calder Cup: video.senators.nhl.com/ videocenter/console?id=121141

Next up is Kaspars Daugavins.

August 23, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment