(UPDATE 9:52 AM)- As expected, the Senators have announced a significant number of cuts this morning, sending a total of 23 players to Binghamton of the American Hockey League. No real surprises in the bunch. A number of these players will play in the game against the Carleton Ravens tonight and then head to Binghamton, New York for the start of the BSens training camp.
Heading into this year’s training camp and preseason, it seemed sort of easy to predict which forward was going to grab the final spot on the roster.
While there were a number of talented players vying for the one forward opening with the big club, only one of those players had a reasonable shot of being claimed off waivers if the Senators tried to send him down. And because of that, there was no doubting that Shane Prince was a favourite to make the team out of camp.
And while you never want to rely on contract status to make a decision for you, the reality is Shane Prince has actually been the best “bubble” player to this point.
The kid has earned his shot.
In his four preseason games, Prince has scored twice and added an assist. His nine shots on goal are second to only Mike Hoffman (11). He also added a goal in the bonus 3 on 3 time that followed yesterday’s game in Newfoundland. While those offensive numbers aren’t going to blow anyone away, he has regularly been among the more noticeable forwards throughout the preseason.
He’s quick on his skates and makes good decisions with the puck. And while he’s played a responsible two way game, he also has the offensive instincts to create chance. Whether it’s on a line with Pageau and Lazar or in more of a fourth line role with Smith and Neil/Chiasson, Prince has shown that he can play in different spots and still remain effective. He’s even had the odd chance in the top six and has looked comfortable there as well.
Prince has picked up right where he left off last season.
Prince led all Binghamton Senators in scoring, racking up 65 points in 72 games, including 28 goals. And while Matt Puempel was the guy that got the longer look in 2014/2015, Prince certainly outplayed him over the course of the season. In the last year and a bit, Prince has solidified himself as the team’s top forward prospect. Or at least the most NHL-ready of the bunch.
It’s pretty impressive when you consider the fact that in February 2014, there were rumours that Shane Prince wanted out. And even after that rumoured request, Prince’s name always seemed to pop up as a trade candidate. As a piece Ottawa might be willing to throw in to a trade. Whether those rumours were true or not, you have to give Prince a ton of credit for sticking with it and continuing to work hard to earn a spot in Ottawa.
And now with less than two weeks till the regular season opener, Prince is on the verge of becoming an every day member of the Ottawa Senators.
Dave Cameron and the rest of the Coaching staff still have a few more days to make a decision but as it stands right now, you can expect to see Shane Prince’s name on that final roster.
-No game for the Senators today but the Binghamton Senators are schedule to play a tune up game against the Carleton Ravens. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Ice House. With the BSens training camp opening tomorrow in Binghamton, you can expect a significant number of players to be demoted in the next couple days today. The Ottawa Senators have just three preseason games remaining and will want to use those as a tune up for next week’s regular season opener.
