While most teams spent the season fighting for playoff spots and the Stanley Cup, the Ottawa Senators were focused on two days August 8th and 9th the BRHL's Entry Draft.  With the Senators clearly in the middle of a major rebuild, one that is expected to continue through next season in hopes of adding Taylor Hall, these two days will go a long way to securing a very bright future for the Senators.  Looking to add to youngsters like Cody Hodgson, Evgeny Grachev, Lars Ellers, Micheal Grabner, and Vyacheslav Voyonov among others, the Senators made 9 selections on the first day.

The focus heading into the draft was clearly on the defensive side for the Senators as 5 of the 9 picks were defenseman, and this was clearly something Ottawa was lacking when looking at their prospect pool.

11th OV - Jared Cowen D- Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Jared Cowen clearly wasn't drafted for his offensive talents but when your 6'5' 220 pounds and still growing a lack of offensive finish can be forgiven.  While Cowen failed to improve on last years numbers, and didn't have a great WJC it can't be over looked that he was only 18 and was coming off of reconstructive knee surgery.  Considering his size skating isn't an issue for Cowen, who will bring a physical hard hitting game with a nasty edge that will make sure opposing players are aware of him when he is on the ice.  With a strong work ethic it is expected that he will develop into a top 2 defender that will be able to shut down the opposing teams top lines.

Prospect Grade 8.0 C

12th OV - Jordan Schroeder C- University of Minnesota Golden Gophers (NCAA)

The only thing keeping Jordan Schroeder from being a clear top 10 pick was his size, at 5'8' 175 pounds Schroeder lacks the ideal NHL size but he has been able to put up points at every level, and currently holds the record for most points by an American in the WJC.  Schroeder struggled this year on a poor Golden Gophers team, but squashed any concerns that it could hurt his long term development after finishing his season in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose where he put 9pts in 11 games and added another 6pts in 6 games during the playoffs.  With strong skating, great vision and dynamic offensive abilities it is expected he will develop into a top 6 forward.

Prospect Grade 7.5 C

27th OV - Simon Despres D - Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

Simon Despres is another big defenseman listed at 6'4' 215 pounds, but unlike Cowen he doesn't have the nasty edge to his game.  Although he is a physical presence on the ice Despres is more of a two-way defenseman capable of playing on the power play and penalty kill.  He currently is paired with fellow Senators prospect Yann Sauve as one of the QMJHL's top defensive pairings playing in all situations against opposing teams top forwards.  His strong vision and ability to make the easy play will certainly lead to a long BRHL but Despres also has a high ceiling and could easily develop into a top 2 defender.

Prospect Grade 8.0 C

30th OV - Landon Ferraro C- Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

Landon Ferraro, the son of former NHL Ray Ferraro struggled this season with consistency and an adjustment to his role on a young Rebels team, but their is no denying the pure goal scoring ability of Ferraro.  He loves to score goals, but showed this season he can also play a strong two-way game which will go a long way to securing a full time job in the BRHL.  Ferraro has blazing speed and a physical edge to his game, he isn't afraid to get his nose dirty and will go hard to the net to score.  He will have to learn to pick his spots better or he will physically wear down, but his natural offensive abilities and high compete level should lead to a long BRHL career.

Prospect Grade 7.5 D

32nd OV - Stefan Elliott D- Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Stefan Elliott was one of the top offensive defenseman in the WHL this year leading the league in goals by a defenseman, and tied for 4th in points, but he certainly didn't hurt the Blades in the defensive zone as he also posted an impressive +41 tying him for 7th in the league.  Elliott is a strong puck mover who can create chances with his strong vision and passing.  Elliott could develop a more physical edge to really round out his game, but with his offensive abilities expect him to develop into a top 4 defender who can run a PP.

Prospect Grade 8.0 C

40th OV- Jerry D'Amigo LW- R.P.I. Engineers (NCAA)

Jerry D'Amigo was clearly a wild card in the draft, no one could deny his offensive talent but due to his NHL drafting (6th round) and a break out season at RPI and the WJC, D'Amigo has been all over the board in mock drafts.  D'Amigo's biggest knock has been his bad decision making, but he proved during the WJC that he is a clutch goal scorer as he registered 12pts in 7 games, including 6 goals.  D'Amigo's ability to step up in big games and welcoming the pressure of being a go to player are positive signs expect him to develop into a 2nd liner that can score you the big goals when the game is on the line.

Prospect Grade 7.0 C

41st OV- Anton Rodin RW - Brynas IF Gavle (SEL)

Anton Rodin had a far from spectacular season in the SEL, but being one of the youngest players he wasn't given amble ice time and his point totals reflected that, but during the WJC's is where Rodin really shined this year, matching highly touted prospect Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson in terms of production scoring 10pts in 6 games (3g 7a).  Rodin is a great skater and has a wicked shot to match, he has a great head for the game that should translate to a strong two game in the BRHL.  With Rodin's offensive abilities and willingness to play a physical style when needed should help him develop into a top 6 player with a high ceiling.

Prospect Grade 7.0 C

42nd OV- Kevin Connauton D- Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Kevin Connauton was the WHL's top offensive defenseman this year breaking team records for most points by a defenseman and most points by a rookie.  Connauton is an offensive defenseman pure and simple, he will still need to work on developing his defensive side, and although he doesn't shy away from physical play he could add some more grit to his play.   Connauton's lethal point shot and smooth skating will give him plenty of chances to develop into a top 4 defenseman that can run a power play, expect him to play in the BRHL but not before spending a few years in the A.

Prospect Grade 6.5 C

59th OV - Matt Clark D- Brampton Battalion (OHL)

Matt Clark is almost the exact opposite of Kevin Connauton, while Connauton is a purely offensive defenseman, Clark is a shut down defensive defenseman.  He was one of the OHL's top shut down defenseman this year, facing the other teams top offensive players almost every night.  Clark is a smart player that will always take the safe route, he plays a strong positional game with a strong physical edge, he can be expected to develop into a shut down defenseman that can log a lot of minutes on the PK and play on the 2nd pairing.

Prospect Grade 7.0 C