Ottawa Senators 2012 draft preview Photo: Winger Stefan Noesen was one of three forwards selected by the Senators in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft. (CHL Images)
The 2011-12 Ottawa Senators put together an impressive 41-win, 92-point season to finish in eighth place in the NHL Eastern Conference and qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In a season marked by third period comeback wins, they took the New York Rangers to the limit in the first round, eventually losing in seven games. Ottawa Senators prospects gained valuable post-season experience Photo: Defenseman Chris Wideman was one of many Senators prospects to ink an entry-level deal at the conclusion of his season. Expected to start 2012-13 in the AHL, Wideman brings a two-way puck-moving presence to the Ottawa organization. (Tim G. Zechar/Icon SMI)
As an organization, the Ottawa Senators were able to gain invaluable experience during the recent playoff season. The NHL club exceeded most predictions and made the playoffs in what was supposed to be a rebuilding season. Many observers credited a portion of their success to a core group of young players who played a major role in the Binghamton Senators championship run in the 2010-11 AHL playoffs. Hockey’s Future Organizational Rankings, Spring 2012: 1-10 Photo: Forward John Huberdeau is the top prospect for the Florida Panthers and one of the top forwards not currently playing hockey at the professional level. (Cliff Welch/Icon SMI) Below is the final part of Hockey's Future's 2012 Spring Organizational Rankings. The rankings were determined by taking each NHL team's entire prospect pool into consideration as well as the likelihood those prospects are to meet their maximum potential. For reference, each team's top five prospects are included, as well as the players they have graduated, traded, or added to their pool over the 2011-12 season. To be eligible, a player must meet HF's prospect criteria. The rankings are done twice each season, in the fall and spring. Ottawa Senators sport a varied, talented group of prospects Photo: Ottawa Senators prospect Jim O'Brien has made steady progress since being drafted by the club in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft (Jay Kopinski/Icon SMI)
The Ottawa Senators' inaugural prospect award winners are a telling mix of talent at varying stages of readiness, with as many as four players expected to make a push for an NHL roster spot next season. Of the recipients, up to eight could be in the professional ranks by October, a good reflection of the commitment the organization has made to build from within. Noticeably conspicuous by his absence, top ranked prospect Mika Zibanejad received serious consideration in four of these categories. 2012 World Championship: Jakob Silfverberg, Sweden
 Photo: Ottawa Senators prospect Jakob Silfverberg (#33) saw his first NHL action in the 2012 NHL Playoffs vs. the New York Rangers (courtesy of Will Schneekloth/Icon SMI) With many wondering just how much longer Daniel Alfredsson will be lacing up his skates for the Ottawa Senators, it’s easy to understand that fans of the team are already clamoring for an heir apparent from Scandinavia’s biggest producer of NHL talent. One such candidate is Jakob Silfverberg, a player that Senators' GM Bryan Murray was ready to add to his NHL lineup last fall. |
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