Ottawa Re-Stocks the Cupboards

OTTAWA, ON

Despite not having a pick in the top-100, the Ottawa Senators re-stocked their prospect cupboard at the 2021 RHL entry draft, picking 10 players in the latter half of the draft. Though its unlikely all of them will make the big club, the scouting challenges caused by the pandemic means there may be some hidden gems among them. GM Noddan hopes the sheer volume of picks will result in a handful of quality players in a few years time.

Below is a quick rundown of the Senators’ selections:

#102 – Guillaume Richard [D] – 6’2, 175 LB – CANADA – Tri-City Storm (USHL)

Ranked #32 by NHL Central Scouting, Guillaume Richard is a smart, two-way defenseman who makes a difference at both ends of the ice. His work ethic shone bright this year and it resulted in big improvements to his defensive game. He has committed to Providence College to continue his development, and projects to be a 2nd or 3rd pairing NHL defenseman down the road.

#111 – Victor Stjernborg [C] – 5’10, 202 LB – SWEDEN – Vaxjo Lakers (SHL)

Victor Stjernborg won’t put up eye-catching point totals, but he makes up for it with his elite defensive play. He suited up for 30 games for the SHL’s top club last season and didn’t look out of place playing against men. While he may not have top-6 upside, he won’t be a liability on the ice and shouldn’t have trouble carving out a role as a bottom 6 defensive specialist in the NHL.

#116 – Ryan Ufko [D] – 5’10, 181 LB – USA – Chicago Steel (USHL)

Another USHL defenseman who fell compared to their CS ranking (#43), Ryan Ufko is a creative offensive defenseman who led the USHL in scoring by defenseman this past season. His play in his own zone needs work if he wants to become an NHL regular. Ufko intends to play another year in the USHL before heading to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst for the 2022-23 season.

#119 – James Malatesta [LW] – 5’9, 170 LB – CANADA – Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

James Malatesta is an undersized winger who doesn’t play like one. He has relentless energy, a strong hockey IQ, and a great offensive arsenal. His late May birthday and smaller frame means it might take some time before Malatesta is ready for NHL action, but he has all the tools to succeed in a top-9 role one day.

#122 – Liam Dower-Nilsson [C] – 6’0, 172 LB – SWEDEN – Frolunda HC J20 (Sweden Jr.)

The Sens’ second Swedish centre of the draft, Liam Dower-Nilsson plays a strong two-way game thanks to his high hockey IQ. He captained the Swedes to U18 bronze in April and suited up for 5 SHL games this past season. His all-around game could be good enough to make an NHL team one day if he can learn to keep his emotions in check.

#142 – Adam Raska [LW] – 5’10, 178 LB – CZECHIA – Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)

Turning 20 this September, Adam Raska is one of the oldest players taken in this year’s draft. He was passed over last year, but a strong campaign with Rimouski and an ELC contract on the books already caught Ottawa’s attention this go around.

#173 – Cameron MacDonald [C] – 6’1, 190 LB – CANADA – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

Pop Quiz: What do Ondrej Palat, Cedric Paquette, and Mathieu Joseph have in common? Late round TBL picks out of the Q. The NHL Lightning have also drafted 5 Sea Dogs in the past 6 years. In a year with so many scouting challenges, why not trust proven success?

#200 – Arsenii Sergeev [G] – 6’3, 192 LB – RUSSIA – Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL)

Arsenii Sergeev (aka Arseni Sergeyev) travelled 7500 km away from home at 16 years old to pursue his dreams. He’s an athletic goaltender with shades of countryman Andrei Vasilevskiy in his style and was ranked 8th among North American goalies by Central Scouting. He has committed to the University of Connecticut to continue his development in the states.

#204 – Carl Lindbom [G] - 6’1, 179 LB – SWEDEN – Djurgardens IF J20 (Sweden Jr.)

The second of back-to-back goalie picks, Carl Lindbom struggled to get games in this season and his stock dropped accordingly. He had a good showing at the U18s, and has the makings of an effective netminder, but will need years to develop his game.

#210 – Braden Haché [D] – 6’3, 201 LB – CANADA – Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Just when it looked like Ottawa was done, they traded for pick #210 to select Braden Haché. No OHL season means it’s been 18 months since Haché has played competitive hockey, but the Senators hope that means they stole a great young talent at the end of the draft.