With Monday’s revelation that the Senators may go with as many as 23 players to start the season, some of the drama has been taken out of the abbreviated training camp.
Cody Ceci and Stefan Noesen are both here for the experience and will eventually head back to their respective Junior clubs, leaving the Sens with just 24 guys in camp.
MacLean continues to insist that the goalie who is most ready to play will get the nod in Winnipeg but I have a hard time believing that will be anyone other than Craig Anderson. And assuming the one way contract keeps Ben Bishop here for now, Robin Lehner is likely the odd man out.
For MacLean, the focus can shift to deciding who fills out the rest of the line up on Saturday afternoon in Winnipeg.
There’s a little more intrigue on that front. Based on three days of camp, it certainly looks like Mike Hoffman has a real shot at a line up spot to start the season. That would mean that Jim O’Brien and Kaspars Daugavins start as healthy scratches and Ottawa would carry 14 forwards. Obviously that can change over the last couple days of camp but that’s certainly the way things look right now.
If Hoffman doesn’t stick around, it will be because of his two way contract.
On the blueline, it’s safe to go ahead and pencil in Patrick Wiercioch. He has been a standout in Binghamton this season and recent comments by Bryan Murray certainly suggest he believes the kid is ready for a shot. MacLean then has to decide whether that sixth spot goes to Benoit or Borowiecki.
Benoit may have a leg up when you consider he has been partnered with Wiercioch for most of the year down in Bingo. MacLean has also been impressed with his play so far in camp. At the same time, Borowiecki brings a little more toughness that on paper, seems to be missing from the Sens blueline.
Call it a toss up. As Garrioch points out, they'll likely carry all seven.
- While Wade Redden may not be an option for the Senators, there is one player the Sens have and will continue to consider from the free agent market and that is former Blues defenceman, Kent Huskins. Huskins is a local guy- with a Stanley Cup- that could provide a little veteran experience, should Murray decide the Bingo guys aren’t getting it done. Something to keep an eye on early in the season.
- The first SensChirp Fantasy Hockey League filled up in a hurry last night. Based on demand, I’ll be setting up another one at some point tonight. Keep an eye on the comment section for details.
