NHL Draft Preview: Senators’ Potential Picks at No. 32

The Ottawa Senators are poised to make a significant selection with the 32nd overall pick at the NHL Draft in Buffalo on June 26. As they prepare for this crucial moment, the team is optimistic about landing a prospect they believe could have been selected much earlier in the draft. Don Boyd, the Senators’ head scout, recently shared insights on TSN 1200, indicating that there is likely a tier of around eight players who could be in play when their turn arrives at the end of the first round.

Boyd noted that the Senators are hopeful that five of their higher-ranked prospects may still be available at the 32nd pick. Additionally, there are three players ranked between 33rd and 35th that the team would be pleased to select. This confidence suggests that the Senators are preparing to choose from a well-defined group of eight or nine specific players.

While the exact rankings on the Senators’ list remain a mystery, The Hockey News Draft Preview offers a glimpse into the prospects likely to be available in this range. Expanding on Boyd’s observations, we present a list of ten players who could be in contention when the Senators make their selection.

Leading this group is a 6-foot-1 winger, who impressed at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup by leading Sweden in scoring. Despite being a polarizing figure, his offensive creativity has many believing he possesses top-six NHL potential. His father, Robert, played defense in the NHL during the late 1980s, adding to the intrigue surrounding his lineage.

Next on the list is a 6-foot-3 forward, the son of former Montreal Canadiens winger Pierre Dagenais, who enjoyed a breakout season scoring at a point-per-game pace. Scouts have noted his powerful shot, though consistency will be crucial for him moving forward.

In the crease, a 6-foot-4 Czech goalie has drawn attention for being named the top goaltender in the USHL. His athleticism and calm demeanor make him a desirable prospect as he heads to UMass in 2027.

Another notable player is a 6-foot-4 forward who scored 41 goals in the OHL before suffering a season-ending injury. His impressive size and potential as a power forward make him an intriguing option, though scouts are eager to see him utilize his physicality more effectively.

A 6-foot-1 Norwegian winger has also caught the eye of scouts, particularly after showcasing his skills at the Under-18 World Championship. His well-rounded game and experience in Sweden’s top league make him one of the safer bets in this draft range.

One player who cannot be overlooked is a 6-foot forward who just captured the WHL scoring title with 108 points. While some question the impact of his twin brother on his success, his high hockey IQ is widely acknowledged.

In terms of defensive prospects, a 6-foot-1 Finnish player has spent the season in the Finnish men’s league, raising questions about his offensive ceiling. Despite this, many believe he has the potential to develop into a dependable NHL defenseman.

Another interesting player is a 6-foot-1 forward who began playing organized hockey only five years ago after excelling in roller hockey. His rapid development and athleticism have scouts excited about his potential for improvement.

A promising 6-foot-5 goaltender has also made waves, having been selected for Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky and World Juniors. His physical attributes align with modern NHL expectations, though consistency remains a concern.

Lastly, a 6-foot-1 forward has been labeled as a high-risk, high-reward prospect. His offensive skills are impressive, but questions linger about his compete level and consistency away from the puck.

As the draft approaches, excitement builds around the Senators’ potential choices. Boyd’s confidence in the identified eight-player tier provides a solid foundation for what lies ahead. Whether it’s Jaxon Cover, known for his puck skills and scoring ability, or Markus Ruck, fresh off a WHL scoring title, the Senators are set to make a pivotal decision that could shape their future.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.