Stefan Noesen (RW, 6’0, DOB 1993, 1-21/11)
2009-10 OHL Plymouth 33-3-5-8 +1 4pim (0.24) 18th pts
2010-11 OHL Plymouth 68-34-43-77 +14 80pim  (ppg 1.13) t-1st
2011-12 OHL Plymouth 63-38-44-82 +18 74pim (ppg 1.30) 1st

An off the radar first-round selection (ranked #35 by Central Scouting), Noesen shook off a slow start to lead the Plymouth Whalers in scoring and improve on his production from last year.  He was signed by the Sens during the season, but he can only turn pro next year if he makes the NHL roster (which is very unlikely).  He should dominate the OHL next year and would play for the US at the World Junior Championships.  Red Line Report compared him to Jamie Benn, “Texas native decided to get serious about the game, especially his conditioning, and as a result took huge strides this season.  Always possessed buttery soft hands and a quick release, but took his game to the next level.  In the process, became more of a physical power-type forward who down the homestretch and playoffs was Plymouth’s “go-to” guy, and most consistent and dangerous scoring threat.  Plays an edgy physical game that makes opponents take notice when he’s on ice, but also takes lots of questionable penalties.  Still has to work on first two-step acceleration, but the time he put in last summer showed us he’s grown up and is now willing to give that off-ice effort.  Strong on skates and tough to separate from puck.  Has trouble defensively handling coverage assignments down low.”  ISS compared him to Colin Wilson, “He kept elevating his game throughout the year to secure his promising ranking here at ISS for the upcoming NHL draft. Noesen is a big, physical center that plays a real hard-nosed style of game. He possesses a very good combination of physical tools; he skates well considering his size, displays soft hands and a real touch with the puck while using his size effectively. He seems to relish playing in traffic while showing a willingness to compete in all three zones. Noesen shows the odd flash of quickness and he is always moving his feet. A very unselfish player, he is aware of where his teammates are and makes good crisp passes. Excellent secondary scoring option that brings great energy to shifts. NHL Potential: Solid two-way forward can chip in offensively.”  Pierre Dorion said, “He’s shown that he’s a power forward type of winger who was willing to go to the net and had good skills. He made plays off the rush and he’s got a really good shot. We believe he’s going to be a guy that helps us win down the road.”  Here’s Noesen being drafted (via TSN).

April 19, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Draft, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 3 Comments

Mika Zibanejad (C/RW, 6’2, DOB 1993, 1-6/11)
2009-10 J18 Djurgarden 14-8-12-20 +15 10pim (ppg 1.42) 4th pts
2009-10 SupEl Djurgarden 14-2-2-4 -2 4pim (ppg 0.28) 21st
2010-11 SupEl Djurgarden 27-12-9-21 +18 12pim (ppg 0.77) 7th
2010-11 SEL Djurgarden 26-5-4-9 +1 2pim (ppg 0.34) 17th
2011-12 NHL Ottawa 9-0-1-1 -3 2pim
2011-12 SEL Djurgarden 26-5-8-13 -2 4pim (ppg 0.50) 14th
2011-12 WJC Sweden 6-4-1-5 +2 2pim 7th

Zibanejad, the sixth overall selection in last year’s draft (ranked #2 by Central Scouting; he’s the highest draft pick for Ottawa since picking Jason Spezza second overall in 2001), made the Senators to start the year, but lost his confidence and was loaned back to his club team Djurgarden (with fellow draftee Fredrik Claesson; he also played with Marcus Sorensen back in the day).  He didn’t get the ice time the Sens thought he should as his team went through two coaching changes during the season and also struggled with injuries.  The highlight for Zibanejad was the World Junior Championships, where he scored the gold medal winning goal for Sweden.  He will play with Ottawa or Binghamton next year (Djurgarden’s relegation has nothing to do with that decision).  Prior to the draft Red Line Report compared him to Brendan Morrow, “plays on the wing internationally, but is more natural and effective at center – his position in league play [SEL].  Drives the net hard using his size effectively to power through checks and win battles along the boards.  Plays a physical game, banging opposing players in puck pursuit, winning loose pucks and causing turnovers off an aggressive and determined forecheck.  Creates space for linemates and is tough to separate from the puck.  Has outstanding speed for a big man with a long, smooth, powerful stride that eats up ground.  Has good hands, receiving even tough passes well without breaking stride.  Also has a very heavy shot that he likes to use when busting down the wing with speed.  Good scoring touch around net, but not always instinctive in his offensive reads.  Tough to contain because he’s got so many facets he can beat you with.  Fine defensive effort level.” ISS compared him to Jerome Iginla, “A very intense player, Zibanejad has extremely explosive technical skills combined with great power and a determined work ethic. He applies tremendous physical pressure on the puck carrier in all zones and can really hammer opponents with his hitting ability. He displayed excellent awareness and intelligence away from the puck and is always calculating his next move. Zibanejad drives the net well and never has very much trouble penetrating the middle lanes off the rush with the puck. His hands and offensive timing could still stand to improve as he doesn’t always handle passes well and struggles to deal with bouncing pucks. NHL Potential: Two-way energy player who can fit a variety of roles including special teams and offensive situations.”  Goran Stubb said this about him, “Mika‘s a real power forward but also has soft hands, good vision and fine skating skills. He has tremendous balance and is hard to knock off the puck. He’s very strong in the battles along the boards, finishes checks with authority and has a heavy shot that he gets off quickly.”  You can watch Pierre Dorion and TSN discuss Zibanejad via the links.

April 17, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Draft, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 2 Comments

Mark Stone (RW, 6’2, DOB 1992, 6-178/10)
2008-09 WHL Brandon 56-17-22-39 -5 27pim (ppg 0.69) 10th pts
2009-10 WHL Brandon 39-11-17-28 +13 25pim (ppg 0.71) 9th
2010-11 WHL Brandon 71-37-69-106 +14 28pim (ppg 1.49) 1st all-star
2011-12 WHL Brandon 66-41-82-123 +45 22pim (ppg 1.86) 1st
2011-12 WJC Canada 6-7-3-10 +10 2pim (1.66) 1st

Nearing the end of a fantastic year where he finished second in scoring in the WHL (behind Brendan Shinnimin) and was a star in the World Junior Championships for Canada, Mark Stone was signed before the season began and will play in Binghamton next year.  The year he was drafted he was projected as a fourth-line player (ranked #119 by Central Scouting), with Red Line Report saying, “Big winger has nice hands, but skating issues drop him on our list.  Stride saw improvement this season, but is still a problem – heavy footed and has a short stride.  Has good hands in close and a decent passing touch, but tends to be a garbage goal scorer and we’ve only seen rare glimpses of an accurate shooting touch.  Makes accurate passes and is especially adept at finding linemates in transition. Very good at protecting the puck, but skating keeps him from being able to drive the net with authority.  Despite good size and decent strength, doesn’t use the body at all.  Tends to be a bit timid in board battles and doesn’t initiate much contact.  Progress stalled this season due to broken thumb and concussion.”  The injuries referenced by RLR played a big role in his stock falling at the draft (as did his place on a stacked Brandon team, with Stone playing third line minutes).  Hockey Futures says, “The size and hands are there as is the willingness to work the boards and get to the dirty areas. In the offensive end he has good instincts, an underrated shot and impressive passing skills. His hockey IQ is way up there and his anticipation allows him to get in good position on both ends of the ice. The one noticeable weakness is his choppy stride which he’s working on and has spent time with the Ottawa skating coach improving his foot-speed. Smart on the ice and well-spoken off of it, Stone has the talent, intensity and work ethic to get himself to the NHL in time.”  Here’s Stone being interviewed after scoring the OT winner at this year’s rookie tournament, and here’s a goal from the World Junior Championships.

April 9, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Draft, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 5 Comments

Bryce Aneloski (D-R, 6’2, DOB 1990, 7-196/10)
2007-08 USHL Cedar Rapids 59-8-12-20 +13 39pim (ppg 0.33) 4th d-pts
2008-09 NCAA Providence 16-0-1-1 8pim (ppg 0.06)
2008-09 USHL Cedar Rapid 38-4-8-12 -3 38pim (ppg 0.31) 4th
2009-10 USHL Cedar Rapids 60-15-39-54 +10 34pim (ppg 0.90) 1st all-star
2010-11 NCAA Nebraska-Omaha 39-2-17-19 +15 (ppg 0.48) 2nd
2011-12 NCAA Nebraska-Omaha 38-6-14-20 -5 12pim (ppg 0.52) 1st

The Sens final pick of the 2010 draft, Aneloski got a lot of exposure to their scouts by playing with 2009 Sens draft picks Jeff Costello and Chris Wideman in Cedar Rapids (he was not ranked by Central Scouting when drafted).  He was selected the year after a failed semester with Providence in the NCAA.  A puck-mover, he’s completed his second season with Nebraska-Omaha where he lead the team in scoring and slightly improved his offensive totals over last year.  It’s safe to assume Aneloski will play at least one more year in the NCAA before considering turning pro.  He describes himself, “I think I’m a good puck-moving defenseman. I think I can make a good outlet pass. I think I can play good stick-on-stick in the d-zone and stuff like that. I’d say the biggest strength that’s come this year [09-10] has been my play in the offensive zone, just making a little bit more stickhandles, like the feel of the puck and stuff like that, and I think my shot, too, just by working at it this summer.”  Tim Murray said, “(Aneloski) is just a guy that is a puck-moving, transition defenceman that you usually can’t get in the draft at that point in time. He’s two years older, he’s a late bloomer. But we’ve had success with guys like that … (who) have gone through the draft, that really have a heartbeat and a chance to be players. We’re not afraid of those guys. But they do drop because they’ve been through a draft. There’s still that stigma with some teams, I believe, but why should you be scared off … He’s got talent. I guess we didn’t address our needs, but he was too good to (pass) by.”  Here’s an interview with Sens scouts Bill McCarthy and Bob Janecyk about Aneloski, and here’s a goal by him from this year.

April 6, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Draft, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 3 Comments

Marcus Sorensen (RW, 5’11, DOB 1992, 4-106/10)
2008-09 J18 Sodertalje 18-8-9-17 36pim (ppg 0.94) 1st pts
2009-10 J18 Sodertalje 15-15-27-42 61pim (ppg 2.80) 3rd
2009-10 SupEl Sodertalje 27-7-10-17 -7 54pim (ppg 0.62) 7th
2010-11 SupEl Djurgarden 31-14-22-36 +26 53pim (ppg 1.16) 4th
2010-11 SEL Djurgarden 7-1-1-2 +2 0pim (ppg 0.28)
2011-12 SupEl SkellefteaJ20 8-2-3-5 -1 57pim (ppg 0.62)
2011-12 Allsvenskan Boras 29-8-9-17 -2 55pim (ppg 0.58) 9th

An off the wall pick (he was not ranked and was “shocked” to be drafted) who played with future Sens picks Mika Zibanejad and Fredrik Claesson, it was a rough year for Sorensen.  He was signed by Skelleftea but couldn’t make their lineup, so he spent time with their junior team before finishing the year on loan to Boras of the Allsvenskan (which has survived relegation; he has another year left on his contract with Skelleftea).  The Sens have t0 decide if they want to qualify and keep Sorensen, who may have been expected to play regularly in the SEL.  Projected as an energy forward, former Sens scout Anders Forsberg described him on draft day, “He’s a long (time) away. He’s a character guy who sticks his nose in everywhere he goes. He battles, he hits the (opponents). He just needs to put muscles on his body … he’s a raw, raw kid. We believe if we work with him well, we might get a home run. He has the potential to be a very good player. He has good hands and is a good skater.”  Here’s video from Forsberg (with Vaclav Burda) talking about him.

April 5, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Draft, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 3 Comments

Jakub Culek (LW, 6’4, DOB 1992, 3-76/10)
2008-09 Czech U18 Plzen 29-15-16-31 98pim (ppg 1.06) 4th pts
2008-09 Czech U20 Plzen 12-3-2-5 10pim (ppg 0.41)
2009-10 QMJHL Rimouski 63-13-34-47 Even 54pim (ppg 0.74) 8th
2010-11 WJC Czech 6-1-1-2 (ppg 0.33) 11th
2010-11 QMJHL Rimouski 54-7-15-22 +2 37pim (ppg 0.40) 12th
2011-12 WJC Czech 5-1-3-4 (ppg 0.80) 4th
2011-12 QMJHL Rimouski 55-13-27-40 +3 58pim (ppg 0.72) 5th

Ottawa’s highest draft pick in 2010 (ranked #52 by Central Scouting), Culek rebounded from a terrible season last year.  Projected as a third-line player, the Sens have to make a decision on whether to retain him or not.  When he was drafted ISS said, “Culek was one of Rimouski’s better player’s night in and night out. He centered one of Rimouski’s top two lines plus played both PP and PK minutes. He finished the regular season with decent numbers. He possesses above average puck skills, puck protection and hockey sense. His skating has shown improvement from the start of the year, with added strength. He is a big project with third line upside.”  Red Line Report (who ranked him #70) said, “Big power winger has a good stride, but lacks balance.  Long wingspan that he uses to shield off defenders. Has improved his puck skills dramatically since last season [with Plzen], when he was essentially a big body who played a rugged game along the walls. Is a more confident puck-handler–willing to carry through the neutral zone and make moves off the rush. Nice release on wristers from the slot area, but is not a natural finisher around net. Creates his offence through hard work and aggression, banging and crashing down low and driving to net with and without the puck. Occasionally ridden off the puck too easily by smaller d-men he should be overpowering. Shows defensive awareness to cut off passing lanes and drop back to cover for rushing d-men. Fine prosepct if he continues to round the rough edges and add pieces to his game.”  Sens scouts Greg Royce and Vaclav Burda talked about Culek after the draft, echoing the sentiments above.  This is Culek scoring against Russia at the World Junior Championships.

April 4, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Draft, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 3 Comments

Brad Peltz (LW, 6’1, DOB 1989, 7-190/09)
2007-08 USHS Avon 27-12-19-31 12pim (ppg 1.14) 5th pts
2008-09 USHS Avon DNP (illness)
2009-10 EJHL Boston 45-19-15-34 28pim (ppg 0.75) 5th
2010-11 NCAA Yale DNP
2011-12 NCAA Yale 9-1-0-1 Even 2pim (ppg 0.11) 20th

An off-the-wall pick (here’s a Sens TV interview right after he was drafted), Peltz dressed for games for the first time this season after being an extra player his entire freshman year.  A sniper, Peltz is a long term project expected to finish his collegiate career before turning pro (one presumes he’ll play more next season).  The only scouting report I can find on him is from Pierre Dorion who said, “hard-working player with good sense … Didn’t play this year [2008-09] because of an infection. We were thinking about taking him last year … Going to Yale for four years. Will become a good college player and from there, we hope he can help us down the road.”  Here’s a clip of him playing at last summer’s development camp (he nearly gets into a scrap with Shane Prince beginning at 3:09).

April 3, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Draft, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 2 Comments

Jakob Silfverberg (C/W-R, 6’1, DOB 1990, 2-39/09)
2007-08 SupEl Brynas 30-8-12-20 +5 8pim (ppg) pts
2008-09 SupEl Brynas 30-14-24-38 +23 6pim (ppg 1.26) 4th
2008-09 SEL Brynas 16-3-1-4 -1 2pim (ppg 0.25)
2009-10 SEL Brynas 48-8-8-16 +6 4pim (ppg 0.33) 11th
2009-10 Sweden WJC 6-3-2-5 0pim (ppg 0.83) 9th
2010-11 SEL Brynas 53-18-16-34 -12 16pim (ppg 0.64) 3rd
2011-12 SEL Brynas 49-24-30-54 -2 10pim (ppg 1.10) 1st MVP

Jakob Silfverberg, selected 39th overall in 2009 (ranked #12 among Europeans by Central Scouting), was signed by the Sens in the fall, but decided to spend a final season in the SEL to round out his game (“I feel like, for myself, that I need to get bigger and stronger, and better in every aspect of the game“).  He lead Brynas in scoring and was named league MVP by his fellow players.  He has a good chance to make the Senators next year because he’s always been responsible defensively and as such he doesn’t have to crack the top-six.  There’s no doubt that Silfverberg will be an NHL player, although his ceiling is up in the air.  When he was drafted opinions varied about whether he would be a solid checking center or be able to play in the top-six.  Hockey Futures‘ assessment echoes that doubt, “a strong skating two-way forward with good hockey sense. He is a very smart and mature player and is solid both offensively and defensively. Silfverberg has good technical skills and plays with plenty of intensity. His shot is quick, but could be more accurate and he could stand to play more physical. Opinions about Silfverberg‘s career differ. Some see a potential star player in him, while other see his potential limited to that of a role player“.  The Sens Pierre Dorion talked about him last summer, “I am as sure of him being an NHL player as anyone in this organization. I can tell you this guy is an NHL hockey player. He plays a north-south game, he’s strong down low, he’s got good skills and good (hockey) sense. He can play the power play, but he also plays the penalty kill. He’s a versatile player. For a European, he competes, he’s strong on the puck and shoots it well. The one thing that’s got to pick up is his quickness off the mark. If he can work on that … that’ll determine where he plays in the NHL. If that quickness off the mark can be just a tad better, he’s a top-two line player. If not, he’s a third-line player.”  Here’s a Sens TV interview with him after he was drafted, and here’s a highlight package.

April 2, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Draft, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 3 Comments

Chris Wideman (D-R, 5’10, DOB 1990, 4-100/09)
2007-08 USHL Cedar Rapids 53-2-12-14 -1 51pim (ppg 0.26) 5th d-pts
2008-09 NCAA Miami 39-0-26-26 +11 56pim (ppg 0.66) 1st all-rookie
2009-10 NCAA Miami 44-5-17-22 +17 63pim (ppg 0.50) 1st
2010-11 NCAA Miami 39-3-20-23 +8 30pim (ppg 0.58) 1st second team
2011-12 NCAA Miami 41-4-20-24 +22 40pim (ppg 0.58) 1st

A teammate of fellow Sens draft pick Bryce Aneloski in Cedar Rapids and later Sens free agent signee Pat Cannone in Miami, Wideman was not ranked in either year of his draft eligibility by Central Scouting.  An undersized, puck-moving blueliner, Wideman finished his senior year at Miami and signed a two-year ELC with Ottawa.  While he never topped his rookie production at Miami, he remained the teams most productive blueliner throughout his collegiate career.  As with any undersized defenseman, his quickness (decision making and speed) will determine how well he adapts to the pro game.  Here’s an old scouting report on him (link): “Wideman is an intelligent, excellent puck-moving defenseman on the small side. He is very poised and patience with the. He also distributes and makes smart decisions with the puck too. One of Wideman’s best attributes is his smart and effective use of his stick, particularly in taking away passing/shooting lanes. He possesses a very shot and can get pucks to the net. Wideman is a very good skater with good foot speed that transitions remarkably well. Though he isn’t overly physical, Wideman will play the body when necessary.  Wideman is positionally sound, but his small stature and especially lack of strength make it difficult for him to contain bigger opposing forwards. As Wideman gets stronger that part of his game should improve.”  Here the CCHA asks him 20 questions, while Sens TV interviewed him at the 2009 Development Camp.

March 29, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Draft, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 2 Comments