Lodin-Pinto-Boucher:
I really like this as the 1st line, it's an extremely well balanced line. Lodin has extremely good hands and offensive instincts, and the confidence to try crazy highlight reel ****.
Pinto is an all round weapon, and should look a clear cut above most of the players in this competition. He's an NHL player who's just getting early reps in vs more raw talent.
Boucher is one I'm actually really interested to see this year. According to Dev Coach Shaun Donovan (Jorion's Dad), Boucher had some flexibility issues as a result of his insane strength training that hampered him throughout the year. Apparently they got him on a new routine to address those concerns, so he should be able to play his game more effectively this season and hopefully stay heated and build some momentum in his development.
Jarventie-Daoust-Latimer:
I'm expecting a big year from Roby Jarventie. He was solid for Belleville as a 19 year old, and is coming off a monster 4 goal, 9 point performance in 7 games for the Finnish Junior team, finishing tied for 5th in tournament scoring.
Daoust is a solid complement to a shooter like Jarventie. He's got offensive instincts and good legs, should make for a good duo at this tournament, with them looking to build chemistry together for the upcoming Belleville season. Latimer I Still haven't formed an opinion on, I just haven't had the opportunities to watch him enough. Good opportunity for him with those two though.
Crookshank-Ostapchuk-McDonald:
Crookshank has long been atop my list of most slept on Sens prospects. His offensive numbers in the NCAA don't leap off the page, but he played on a pretty weak UNH team. What does stick out though, was his shot volume. Very few players shot the puck more in the NCHC than Angus crookshank, especially in his last season where he averaged like 5 shots a game. He also finished that year white hot when he joined Belleville. He's also potentially the biggest pest in the organization, including Parker Kelly and Brady Tkachuk, he's just SO good at getting under the opponents skin. Hopefully he's able to get some tracrion early in Belleville, he was looking like a real diamond in the rough prior to missing last season.
Ostapchuk will be one to keep an eye on this season. Was up and down offensively last year, but he turned it on in the playoffs and he was just unreal for Vancouver. Look for him in a match up role in these games.
Sanderson-Guennette:
I'll keep it brief on Sanderson, because there's nothing more to be said about how good this guy will be. He's the total package, I'm beyond excited to finally see him in a Sens jersey.
Guennette makes a lot of sense with Sanderson. He's a good skater who defends well with his stick, and is comfortable moving the puck up ice. Huge vote of confidence that he was named Captain too. Expect him to take a larger role in Belleville, especially if one or both of Thomson and JBD get extended NHL looks.
Bernard-Hamara:
I really like Hamara. He's got all the tools to be a very strong offensive Dman for the Rangers in the OHL this year. Wouldn't be surprised if he ended being one of the best OHL rookies this year, or one of the best rookie D anyway.