The Ottawa Senators are set to make the crucial 32nd overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, benefitting from a strong pool of available talent. Among the intriguing prospects mentioned are Jaxon Cover, a unique talent with roots in roller hockey from the Cayman Islands, and Egor Shilov, a top scorer with playmaking skills but concerns about competitiveness. Other potential selections include the Ruck twins and two promising defencemen, Tommy Bleyl and Adam Goljer. The Senators will need to leverage this opportunity wisely to rejuvenate their squad.

By the Numbers
  • Jaxon Cover had 52 points (20 goals, 32 assists) in 67 games last season.
  • Egor Shilov recorded 82 points (32 goals, 52 assists) in 63 games with the Victoriaville Tigres.
  • Tommy Bleyl tallied 81 points (13 goals, 68 assists) and had a plus-58 rating in the QMJHL.
  • Ryan Roobroeck achieved 58 points (30 goals, 28 assists) in 49 games last season.
Yes, But

While the Senators have several exciting options, selecting a player like Jaxon Cover presents risks due to his unconventional background in hockey. Additionally, some prospects, like Egor Shilov, come with concerns over their competitiveness, which may not align with the team鈥檚 traditional drafting strategy.

State of Play
  • The Senators currently hold the 32nd pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, almost guaranteed to obtain a significant talent.
  • The team has recently traded for forward prospects but still needs to build up its offensive roster.
  • A shift in the team鈥檚 approach regarding players from different backgrounds, including Russian prospects, may influence their selection.
What's Next

The Senators are likely to use their 32nd pick to address alignment in their roster, focusing on offense and skill set diversity. Expectations are high that management may lean towards selecting high-upside forwards, especially with the uncertain future of certain current players.

Bottom Line

For the Senators, the 2026 NHL Draft is a pivotal moment to secure a promising player who fits both the present and future needs of the franchise. Making a well-informed, strategic choice can set the tone for the team鈥檚 direction in the coming seasons.