Ottawa Senators: Top 8 prospects worth getting excited about

4. Jacob Bernard-Docker

Though the list to this point has been all forwards and one goalie, the Senators also have some excellent defenceman for prospects. One of their best is Jacob Bernard-Docker. The 20-year-old was selected 26th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft after a season spent with the Okotoks Oilers in the AJHL which saw him post 20 goals and 41 points in 49 games.

He has since spent the last two seasons playing for the University of North Dakota, and his offensive skill has continued to be on display. This past season, he put up 25 points in 32 games. That is impressive for any defenceman, but even more so when you consider the fact he was only 19-years-old for the entire season. He also helped Team Canada win a gold medal at this year’s World Junior tournament, putting up one goal in seven games.

3. Drake Batherson

What a pick Drake Batherson has become for the Senators. When he was selected in the fourth round (121 overall) it was no secret he was extremely talented. However, no one expected him to improve to the level he is at now. Just half a year after drafting the now 22-year-old, he put on a show for Team Canada at the 2018 World Junior tournament, scoring seven goals in seven games. As it turns out, that was just the beginning of what looks to be a promising career.

After a very impressive rookie season in the AHL in 2018-19 which saw him score 22 goals and 62 points in 59 games, Batherson was even better this past season, posting 16 goals and 54 points in just 44 games. He also played in 23 games with Ottawa, putting up 10 points in 23 games. Like others on this list, Batherson has a good chance of staying in Ottawa past training camp next season, and has a chance to become a very solid top-six NHL forward.