Top 5 Ottawa Senators to watch at camp
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Buckle up. Training camp is about to begin for the Senators.
After a long off-season, the Senators will swing the sticks Wednesday at Rideauview, hold medicals Thursday and then do a skate test Friday before camp shifts into high gear in Newfoundland Saturday.
With eight defencemen and two goaltenders signed long-term, there are only two openings up front, but the Senators are expecting good battles.
"It's who is able to step up," said assistant GM Pierre Dorion in a pre-camp interview with the Sun.
With those thoughts in mind, we asked Dorion to give Sun readers a list -- in no particular order -- of the top five players to watch in training camp.
Curtis Lazar, C/RW
The Senators have seen what this guy can do in junior and during the rookie tournament. Now, they want to see the 19-year-old in the big leagues.
Lazar has as good a chance as anyone of making the team.
"He's proven everything he has to prove in junior: Winning the Memorial Cup and being one of the best players on Team Canada," said Dorion.
"He's coming in looking to make the team and looking to have an impact."
Dorion said Lazar is stronger than he was last year but the Senators will do what's right because they don't want to rush him if he's not ready.
"He's ready mentally," said Dorion. "He's one of the highest character guys we've drafted in the seven years I've been here. His work ethic is off the charts.
"He's just a natural leader. He's everything you want a player to be, besides his ability. He brings the intangibles to the table."
Lazar will get lots of opportunities to play in the exhibition games and those will determine whether he starts the season here. The decision-making with him will go in stages and how much he's able to contribute.
Alex Chiasson, RW
Acquired from the Dallas Stars in the Jason Spezza deal, the Senators are excited to show what they've got.
The 23-year-old Chiasson, who had 13-22-35 points in 79 games last season, will play a top-six role. He's still developing but he isn't afraid to get his nose dirty. That's why Ottawa likes him.
"We're getting a guy who fits exactly what we need," said Dorion. "We need a big-body, cycle-type of presence, net presence, scoring ability, range and strength. It's an element that we've had at times but haven't had at times.
"A guy like Alex Chiasson coming in and being an important player on our team right from the get-go. We'll have to see where he adapts from that."
The Senators believe he'll fit in just fine.
"We're looking for someone who can contribute as a top six forward, but it's when can he step into that role?," said Dorion. "I think he just has to play the way he played last year and people are going to love him.
"He brings that element of power forward. With our skill guys, I think he's going to be a really good fit on our team."
Mark Borowiecki, D
Signed to a one-way contract for the first time in his career, Borowiecki is ready to make the jump from the AHL to the NHL.
The Senators believe he's had plenty of time to prepare for this. They like his hard-nosed style on the ice and his infectious attitude off it. They are convinced he'll be the right fit.
"I've written in a lot of my reports when he played in Binghamton that he's the last guy that you want to play against because of his high compete level," said Dorion. "He was the captain in Binghamton and there's a reason people call him Borocop: He's so hard and he plays the game the right way.
"He clears the front of the net. He has that element of grit, toughness and physicality that he's going to bring to our lineup."
GM Bryan Murray noted having Borowiecki, who signed a three-year extension in the summer, around is good for the room.
"Having a guy like a Borowiecki who brings that energy level up a couple of notches is only beneficial for the rest of the guys," said Dorion. "He's such a pleasure to be around and the guy will fight for any of his teammates."
David Legwand, C
Signed as a UFA in July, the 34-year-old Legwand spent most of his career with the Nashville Predators until being dealt to Detroit at the trade deadline.
He won't wow anybody offensively but he can score some points. Legwand is here to provide veteran leadership, chip in where needed and take some pressure off Mika Zibanejad.
"Where's David Legwand going to fit on our team? What teammate is he going to gel with?" asked Dorion. "We know he's got the experience, he's got hockey sense and he's still got pretty good skills. He's played against a lot of No. 1 centres in the West.
"We were all happy we got him as a group and he's already demonstrated good leadership qualities. What part of his game will he use to help us win?"
The Senators feel they've still got a young group and Legwand can help ease some of the pressure.
"He had other choices. He wanted to come to Ottawa. He's going to help us to win games," said Dorion. "When you get a chance to add a quality veteran player, with a lot of game left, you do."
Patrick Wiercioch, D
The time has come for Patrick Wiercioch to show this organization he can be a full-time NHL player.
He suited up for only 53 games last season, spent the summer in Ottawa working out and with eight defencemen in camp this is the 24-year-old's opportunity to confirm he can play a role.
"We're expecting a lot of big things from him," said Dorion. "The commitment that he showed in staying in Ottawa and working out and physically he's matured quite a bit in over a year.
"We feel he can come in, be a guy who can generate offence from the back end and move the puck. He can play with more pace. He'd be another guy we're going to be counting on quite a bit. He's ready to make that next step."
Sitting didn't sit well with Wiercioch.
"It's not easy, especially for a young player," said Dorion. "Players who succeed have adversity and they use it to the best of their abilities to succeed. That's what Patrick is going to do. He's going to figure out he doesn't want to sit out again."
Twitter: @sungarrioch
