In just 18 days, the Ottawa Senators will begin one of the most important days for the franchise in a long time. June 24 and the NHL Entry Draft is a day where Bryan Murray and his scouting staff have an opportunity to set the direction for this hockey team and add a number of quality prospects in the process.
Beginning today, the Sens are getting a closer look at a few of the players they have their eye on.
Sean Couturier, Ryan Strome and Mika Zibanejad were all in town today to go through their individual works out and testing.
According to Steve Lloyd of the Team 1200, it sounded like a fairly basic simple day for the players. There was a light on-ice work out in the AM and then some interviews and individual testing afterward. Strome and Couturier are both scheduled to play a round of golf with Director of Player Personnel Pierre Dorion this afternoon.
The organization will get a closer look at Gabriel Landeskog and Jonathan Huberdeau tomorrow. Dougie Hamilton was scheduled to be in town as well but will not make it due to a scheduling conflict. Dorion mentioned that he is 99% sure the player the Sens draft will be one of the five that are in town this week. That includes Strome, Couturier, Zibanejad, Landeskog or Huberdeau. I’m stickin’ to my guns on this one. The Sens pick will be Landeskog or Strome.
- In case you missed it, today was Day 1 of the Senate Reform series. Today’s episode features some rather cryptic discussions at the scouts meeting. Definitely worth a watch. You can find it under the highlights tab on the home page.
- Obviously the other big story around the Sens is their search for a head coach. Murray has not set a deadline to make a decision but I think it’s possible we hear something this week. Most people seem to agree that Paul Maclean is the favourite right now. The club definitely wants to have someone in place before Draft Day.
The BSens traveled to Houston today in preparation for Game 6, tomorrow night. Roman Wick and Jared Cowen both made the trip although Cowen did not skate with the team. There was no update given on the status of Cowen but he did take a shot to the head during Game 5. Coach Kleinendorst said it’s not a concussion and Cowen could play tomorrow night.
Lastly, thoughts and prayers are with BSens Assistant Coach Steve Stirling who had to undergo emergency heart surgery yesterday. He is said to be resting comfortably after successful surgery.
Wishing him a speedy recovery.
