There’s little doubt the Ottawa Senators blue line will have a different makeup next season.
Erik Brannstrom is a pending restricted free agent and is due a qualifying offer of $2 million. It’s unknown if the team will elect to make such an offer. With one year remaining on a friendly $4.6M cap hit, Jakob Chychrun has been the subject of trade chatter.
A scratch of late, Travis Hamonic has another year remaining on his contract, which contains a full-no-move clause. Will the Senators keep the veteran D-man in the fold or buy out his final season? Plus, youngster Max Guenette requires waivers in 2024-25.
There’s also a glut of top-end players on the left side of the Senators d-core, including Chychrun, Thomas Chabot, and Jake Sanderson. Brannstrom, also a left-shot, is capable of playing the right side on a regular basis if required, provided he remains a Senator.
Taking all the above into account, one player seeking to put his stamp on cracking the Senators’ roster next season is Tyler Kleven.
After appearing in 45 games with the American League Belleville Senators this season, Kleven is in the midst of his second stint of the current campaign with the big club.
In his recent three games, it’s easy to see what the six-four, 200-pound d-man brings to the defensive unit.
Tyler Kleven is not one to shy away from making a hit. The 22-year-old brings a physical presence and can move the puck and boasts a heavy shot.
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Kleven tallied three goals for Belleville before his recall on March 28 recall and recorded 20 in 95 games while playing at the University of North Dakota.
Speaking post-practice Monday, Kleven realizes what he must do to become a consistent NHL d-man and credits the “BSens” coaching staff headed by David Bell.
“I think it’s grown over the year. I think pro hockey is different style from the college hockey. The coaching staff down there has done a really good job at helping me grow my game – just learning the pro lifestyle.”
The Fargo, ND resident noted, “I think just playing a simple game that’s hard, being physical. I think my breakouts have been good – just making it hard on the other team’s lineup. I think that’s how I contribute.”
Upon viewing the Senators’ 2020 44th overall selection for the first time from behind the bench, interim head coach Jacques Martin said of Kleven after last Wednesday’s 2-0 win over the Blackhawks, “I thought the young kid, Kleven gave us a game. I really like how he handled himself. He showed good poise. Smart you know you look before getting to find out what what options he had for breakouts. He kept his game simple but effective. I think he’s a big body. He’s got a long reach. So it’s it’s encouraging to see that kind of performance from a kid.”
It will certainly be interesting to see how General Manager Steve Staios resets his defense in the off-season. But one thing for sure is Tyler Kleven should be in front and centre in the mix.
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