Dobber's offseason fantasy hockey grades – Ottawa Senators

For the last 14 years (12 with The Hockey News) Dobber has reviewed each team from a fantasy-hockey standpoint and graded them.

This year, due to Dobber’s battle with cancer, he recruited Cam Robinson (of Frozen Pool Forensics fame) to pinch hit. The 15th annual review will appear here on DobberHockey throughout the summer. This is not a review of the likely performance on the ice or in the standings, but in the realm of fantasy hockey.

Enjoy!

Gone – Marc Methot, Viktor Stalberg, Matt O’Connor, Tommy Wingles, Phil Varone, Ryan Rupert

Incoming – Johnny Oduya, Erik Burgdoerfer, Nate Thompson, Danny Taylor, Ben Sexton, Tyler Randell, Max Reinhart

Impact of changes – Like several teams, the Senators were forced to part ways with an important piece due to the expansion process. Marc Methot may be getting a tad long in the tooth, but Erik Karlsson seemed to play his best next to the veteran rearguard and now a fill-in needs to be named. Dion Phaneuf is the easy option as the team’s other top four left-shot blue liner but keep an eye out for 24-year-old Fredrik Claesson. The stay-at-home, Swedish defender has been marinating well while bouncing between Binghamton and Ottawa the last few years and could find a home next to the game’s most lethal offensive defender. Johnny Oduya could likely garner some looks there as well, but the 36-year-old may have lost a step. Matt O’Connor is replaced by Danny Taylor as the squad’s third net minder and should be viewed as an upgrade in case of unlikely injuries. Taylor has posted tremendous numbers in both the AHL and KHL. Andrew Hammond, of the famed Hambugular-run two seasons ago appears to be stuck in limbo. He has one year and 1.35 million left on his deal but cleared waivers last year and won’t have a roster spot in the NHL or AHL next year after suffering through injury and poor play last year. Perhaps a loan to a European team is an option or another team finds a need for a back-up through the training camp process.

Ready for full-time – Thomas Chabot had a near-magical final junior campaign in 2016-17. He led the Canadians to a Silver medal at the World Junior Championship by producing four goals and 10 points in seven games and was named tournament MVP – the only defenseman to receive the award since its inception in 2002.  He went back to Saint John where he finished the regular season with 45 points in 34 games and then tacked on another 27 points in 22 playoff and Memorial Cup games on route to a QMJHL league title a third-place national finish. Chabot suited up for a single contest to begin the season with Ottawa last season but was deemed not quite ready, and while the AHL is now an option for the 20-year-old, he should have a spot on the team with his impressive speed, smarts and complete game. Read more on Chabot here.

2015 15^th overall selection, Colin White wrapped up his sophomore season with Boston College before turning professional last spring. He was a dominant college player, producing 76 points in 72 NCAA games while displaying his deft two-way and leadership ability. The sturdy centre didn’t look out of place in his two regular season and single NHL playoff game for the Sens. He also managed to chip in three points in three AHL games in between. White projects as a very strong two-way pivot down the road but may have to settle for a wing slot this season or find himself leading the charge from the fourth line. The AHL is an option, but White’s complete game should land him an NHL job starting this fall. Read more on White here.

Fantasy Outlook – Ottawa played over their heads last spring on route to the Eastern Conference finals, but that doesn’t mean this team is lacking in fantasy worthy assets. Obviously, this discussion starts with captain, Erik Karlsson; the premier point producer from the back end is ripe for another point-per-game campaign despite offseason foot surgery. Craig Anderson tends to go a bit hot and cold during alternating seasons, so watch out for a slight down tick from the 36-year-old. Mike Hoffman, Mark Stone, Derek Brassard and Kyle Turris are all nice complimentary assets that can push near or into the 60-point zone and Colin White and Chabot are very promising youngsters. Jean-Gabriel Pageau even has a hot streak or two in him for a stream start. A true impact forward would certainly help propel the Senators’ crop of talent into the next level, but they boast strong players capable of contributing to your fantasy squad.

Fantasy Grade: B (Last year: B)

Pick up the 12th annual DobberHockey Fantasy Hockey Guide here (out on August 1)

OR

Get the Fantasy Guide and the Prospects Report as part of a package and save$7.00 – here!