The 5pm deadline Tuesday for NHL teams to declare a 23-man season-opening roster came and went quietly for the Ottawa Senators. GM Pierre Dorion intimated on TSN1200 earlier in the morning there was a “49 percent chance” his club would acquire a depth forward. However, the GM was unable to accomplish his goal.
It’s not that Dorion hasn’t been burning up the phone lines. The GM mentioned on several occasions he’s done just that. Rumours of attempting to procure Matt Duchene from the Avalanche persist daily. However, according to one NHL Executive, Avs general manager Joe Sakic’s asking price is steep -- a top-four defenceman, a prospect and a high draft pick – a trove Dorion isn not quite ready, or willing, to settle on.
While Dorion continues to make calls, the non-movement is great news for a pair of youngsters. Nineteen-year-old centre Logan Brown and 18-year-old winger Alex Formenton will start the season in Ottawa.
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Deemed to have had an average performance by management at Development Camp in June, Brown’s game improved by leaps and bounds this fall. The St. Louis resident spent the summer at home for the first time in three years, and it paid dividends. The 6-foot-6, 220 pounder notched five points in the preseason, impressing coach Guy Boucher and his teammates.
“He’s such a big guy, skates very well, makes plays, gets to where he needs to be to score goals," stated Mark Stone. "He’s learned that an early age. Most of the goals come from in close to the net. He keeps his stick on the ice."
With another rookie forward, Colin White, out of the lineup another 4-6 weeks with a broken left wrist, Brown remains with the team for the time-being. Eventually, a decision will be made if he’s to be returned to his junior club in Windsor. After participating in nine games, the Senators will be forced to decide if Brown’s play is worthy of burning a year on his entry-level contract.
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Brown will be in the lineup opening night Thursday against the Capitals, coach Guy Boucher confirmed after practice Wednesday.
Formenton was the surprise of training camp. After celebrating his 18th birthday, Sept. 13, the 47th overall pick in the 2017 draft compiled three points (1g, 2a) during the preseason, earning himself an entry-level contract and roster spot, though he will be a healthy scratch Thursday to start the season.
The Senators travel to Western Canada next week and may bring the Barrie, ON native along for the trip - providing Dorion doesn’t add another forward. The team did just that last season with Thomas Chabot, giving him a taste of professional life on the road prior to sending the CHL Defenseman of the Year to Saint Jean.
The best news for Senators’ players and their fans? The 23-man roster lists Derick Brassard and Erik Karlsson on it as neither was placed on injured reserve. And Brassard is medically cleared and will play against the Capitals. On Wednesday, he centered Stone and Bobby Ryan at practice.
As for Karlsson, he was officially ruled out of the season-opener by Dorion, but is coming along nicely after offseason ankle surgery.
The coach also confirms the least surprising thing of the day: Craig Anderson starts in goal tomorrow night. #Sens pic.twitter.com/0PRoTwY8Ry
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 4, 2017
The Senators' 23-man opening-night roster
Goalies
Craig Anderson, Mike Condon
Defenceman
Mark Borowiecki, Cody Ceci, Fredrik Claesson, Erik Karlsson, Johnny Oduya, Dion Phaneuf, Chris Wideman
Forwards
Derick Brassard, Logan Brown, Alex Burrows, Ryan Dzingel, Alex Formenton, Mike Hoffman, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Tom Pyatt, Bobby Ryan, Zack Smith, Mark Stone, Nate Thompson, Kyle Turris
Injured Reserve
Clarke MacArthur, Colin White