Draft Dilemma: Ottawa’s Selections

The Ottawa Senators face a challenging draft dilemma with limited picks and no first-round selection for the second year. GM Pierre Dorion explores trades, particularly involving winger Alex DeBrincat. They seek replacements and an experienced goaltender. Acquiring a first-round pick is possible. Patience in player development is evident, and bold moves are expected from Dorion.

Ottawa’s Draft Dilemma

The Ottawa Senators are inching closer to a familiar situation of being dismissive about the draft. The phrase “draft, schmaft” was famously coined by Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher in the late 1990s when he traded away draft picks with little regard.

Ottawa finds itself in a similar position this year, lacking picks in the first three rounds and only possessing a total of six picks although this could change leading up to June 28.

This marks the second consecutive year that the Senators are without a first-round pick, indicating their transition out of the rebuilding phase. In exchange for defenseman Jakob Chychrun, Ottawa traded away their 2023 first-round selection to Arizona along with two second-round picks in 2024 and ’26.

The last time Ottawa selected a player in the opening round was in 2021, when they surprised everyone by taking winger Tyler Boucher with the 10th overall pick.

The DeBrincat Dilemma

This year, the Senators prioritize actively seeking immediate contributors for their team, including the potential trade of valuable asset Alex DeBrincat before the draft. Ottawa acquired DeBrincat ahead of the 2022 draft, but the pending restricted free agent has made it clear he doesn’t intend to sign a long-term deal with the Senators. The organization’s efforts to lower his arbitration salary of $9 million might facilitate a trade.

The big question is how the Senators plan to replace DeBrincat. Will they seek a similar scoring winger or prioritize a two-way player capable of filling a top-six role? Would a trade involving DeBrincat also include a pick or prospect? Any team that considers acquiring DeBrincat will likely aim to sign him to a lengthy contract.

With the addition of Chychrun, Ottawa’s defence seems solid. Making a trade for a defenseman is unlikely unless it significantly improves their roster, rather than just adding depth.

Their primary need lies in the forward position, and there is also a desire for an experienced goaltender. Though not necessarily a prospect. The Senators have a potential opportunity to secure a first-round pick by actively engaging in trade negotiations, with DeBrincat emerging as the primary candidate for inclusion. This scenario would give Ottawa a player and a high pick in exchange for the 25-year-old sniper.

Ottawa’s Draft Pick Last Year

Ottawa also had a draft dilemma Last year, lacking a first-round pick, the Senators had to wait until the 64th selection to choose defenseman Filip Nordberg. The pick raised eyebrows due to its unconventionality, but the Senators are actively allowing the development of Nordberg, an impressive six-foot-four, 207-pound prospect. At only 19 years old, Nordberg displayed promise with his offensive contributions across multiple leagues in Sweden.

The Senators have a long-term vision for Nordberg. Appreciating his NHL-ready physique and believing he can become a physical player with offensive capabilities. However, the team must make immediate decisions regarding his development. Nordberg could spend another season in Sweden or explore opportunities in the USHL. He was drafted by the Youngstown Phantoms (43rd overall).

Bold moves are a trademark of Senators’ GM Pierre Dorion at the draft, and he is likely to continue that trend. Expect at least one blockbuster deal, potentially involving DeBrincat, and possibly trade for a goaltender as well. The Senators are in a playoffs-or-bust mentality and time will tell how things go.

Main Photo: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports