Heading into the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, it seemed like there was potential for some serious first round fireworks.
All around the league the rumour mill was buzzing with some big names available on the trade market. With 31 General Managers together on the United Center floor, hockey insiders suggested it could be one of the most frantic drafts in NHL history.
Instead, it was a bit of a dud.
There were no real surprises at the top end of the draft and most of the first round seemed to align with what the lists were suggesting. The big names available on the trade market, including Matt Duchene and Travis Hamonic, stayed put.
The Ottawa Senators selected 28th in the first round and went with Shane Bowers, a centre playing in Waterloo of the USHL. Bowers is a smart, two-way forward who is solid in all three zones. He had the label of a “safe pick” and a “character guy” but those who watched him on a regular basis suggest he has solid offensive skills and an explosive stride.
Shane Bowers (@shanebowers15) plays a little catch & score #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/vHcvstcfMv
— USHL (@USHL) February 28, 2016
While Bowers seems to have limited upside, there seems to be no doubt he’ll be an NHL player somewhere down the line. And for a team with only four picks in the Draft, the Senators had to be sure they were getting a player with one of those picks.
It was believed that the Senators may have had some interest in goaltender Jake Oettinger but the Dallas Stars moved up to snag him at 26th.
The remaining rounds will be held today in Chicago and the Senators have just three picks remaining.
Round 2 (47th overall)- LW Alex Formenton, London
Round 4 (121st overall)- C Drake Batherson, Cape Breton
Round 6 (183rd overall)- G Jordan Hollett, Regina
-A quick note on Matt Duchene. From what I heard yesterday, the Senators were one of the teams to again touch base to see what it would take to land Duchene but the asking price remains too high for Ottawa and for most teams apparently. It’s believed the ask from the Avalanche includes top prospect Thomas Chabot. Not going to happen.
