–Dave Young can’t figure out where Peter Regin fits in the Sens depth chart. It’s a good reminder that all fans should focus on what the organisation says about a player when trying to figure out lineups and projections. When Regin was re-signed Tim Murray said he was a top-nine forward, so that’s where Regin is going to be–in the top three lines. This reminds me of a some of the Andre Petersson talk I’ve heard–Bryan Murray told Denis Potvin that he expects Petersson to be Jason Spezza‘s future right winger and those expectations are not reserved for fringe players.
–Nichols wonders if Nick Foligno can provide the necessary scoring to be a second line player. The article illustrates how Foligno established career highs in many categories and was among league leaders in 5-on-5 scoring. The problem for Foligno remains consistency, including fading as the season wound down. The positive for the organisation is the amount of competition internally so that the team isn’t dependent on him reaching another level.
–Jared Crozier wonders which prospect is ready to step up to the next level within the Sens organisation. He believes there will be a couple of spots open on the roster and suggests the following players could step in:
1. Jared Silfverberg – “The Swedish forward got a sniff in the playoffs, and showed there will be a period of adjustment. He also showed that he will be more than capable of playing every day, it is only his ability to adapt to a new style of play that may hold him back.” Crozier is making a modest prediction here, given that the Murray’s have said Silfverberg could have played in the NHL this season. There’s no question that Silfverberg will be on the roster next season.
2. Mika Zibanejad – “The other Swedish forward probably would have seen action in the playoffs as well if not for a concussion. Although he is a centre, I think he would be more suited to play the wing in the NHL and that is his best road to a top -6 slot next year.” It’s up in the air if Zibanejad will start with the Senators next year, but he will get his chance to show he belongs.
3. Mark Stone– “The WHL’s second leading scorer played one playoff game with the Senators, notching a very impressive assist on a Jason Spezza goal. He has great hands and size, but his skating ability might mean he starts in the minors rather than on the 4th line.” It’s a virtual certainty that Stone starts in the AHL next year.
4. Shane Prince – “Perhaps the best player in the OHL over the second half of the season, Prince showed that he was a steal in the second round last summer. A great skater who is a horse with the puck, he needs to add some size to his frame to play in the NHL next season, but should get the opportunity.” I’ve read a lot of hyperbole about Prince who has yet to be signed, but Crozier is realistic enough to understand that he’ll be sent to Binghamton if he does turn pro. There are many prospects ahead of Prince on the depth chart at the forward position (Stephane Da Costa and Andre Petersson to name just two), so the road to the NHL won’t be a short one for the 2011 draft pick.
One thing Crozier doesn’t address are the team’s needs on the blueline. With the likelihood of Filip Kuba, Matt Gilroy, and Matt Carkner gone there are positions to fill with at least one coming internally.
–Milan Michalek and the Czech Republic won bronze at the IIHF World Championships. None of the other Sens players or prospects placed in the medals.
Leave a comment
No comments yet.
eyeonthesens 
Leave a Reply