From new retro uniforms to Jeopardy host Alex Trebek announcing Tim Stutzle as the Ottawa Senators top draft pick in the style that he could only do; to the club selecting two more players who have NHL bloodlines, it was a franchise-defining evening for fans of the team.
General Manager Pierre Dorion on the night, “Alex had recorded the first three names that were probably going to go in the Draft. And we all think it was fantastic to have someone like Alex Trebek announce a franchise-defining pick. It was something special.”
“First and foremost I want to credit (chief amateur scout) Trent Mann and his staff. They’ve done an unbelievable job here. These three picks tonight are going to be such important players for our success. We’re going to have long successful playoff runs.”
Dorion on Tim Stutzle – “Obviously Tim Stutzle is an elite talent. He’s a dynamic offensive player, great speed, great hockey IQ, great skills. At the same time he’s someone that generates offense on a consistent basis shift after shift. We look forward to having him in our lineup as soon as next year.”
3. Tim Stutzle C/LW Adler Mannheim DEL – 41 games 7 goals 27 assists
He's ours. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/A5XoJDQ9tu
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 7, 2020
Dorion on Jake Sanderson – “When you come out of the Draft with the best defenseman in the Draft you’ve definitely accomplished something. I know sometimes fancier picks are the forwards. It’s a bit more sexy, but we felt Jake was the best defenseman in the Draft and we’re elated that could take him at no.5. Obviously Jake’s game is an all-round game. He competes at a high level. He’s someone that defends well, takes the body, but at the time is very underrated what he brings offensively. I think having a left side of (Thomas) Chabot, Sanderson, (Erik) Brannstrom down the road really bodes a lot of success for the organization.”
5. Jake Sanderson LD – USNTDP juniors – 19 games 2 goals 12 assists
US National U18 – 47 games 7 goals 22 assists
5⃣th overall! #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/PjdcbAlhdb
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 7, 2020
Dorion on Ridly Greig – “The cherry on top of the sundae for us tonight was Ridly Greig, someone who also has great hockey bloodlines like Jake Sanderson had with his father (Mark). He’s someone who we had a chance to see play this year as a scouting group – someone who plays a two-way game, high compete with some very good skills. I think if you look at what he brings to the table – he can play left wing, centre. We like him at either position, but you have that level of compete, that level of talent of hockey sense. I think Ridly is going to impact our lineup for years to come.”
1.07 points-per-game in 2019-20.
Now a Senator.#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/9dY6LqErMG
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 7, 2020
28. Ridly Greig C – Brandon WHL – 56 games 26 goals 34 assists
Now, the Senators enter Day Two of the Draft armed with nine picks in Rounds Two through Seven – currently possessing four selections in the second round, plus an additional two third-rounders, the team once again is one to watch right out of the gate.
Dorion intimated to Full Press NHL he had two calls on pick no.33 moments after the first round concluded.
“We’ve already had two calls on pick 33, so there’s lots of chatter. At the same time it’s got to be the right mix for us to move a draft pick – depending what the return is to move down. So we’ve already had two calls just before I got in here. There will probably be more calls through the evening and through the morning. It’s a good thing it starts at 11:30.”
So, ready, set, go, and following along with Day Two of the 2020 Entry Draft.
12:10 pm – While rumours were swirling for days, Pierre Dorion was working the phones seeking a goalie – he did just that.
The Senators acquire two-time Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray from the Penguins in exchange for the 52nd overall pick and London Knight forward Jonathan Gruden, Senators 2018 fourth-round selection.
On TSN1200 this morning Dorion stated there was no change in Anders Nilsson’s concussion situation. Thus the trade for Murray is doubly important.
Murray is coming off a regular season which saw an average .899 save percentage. However, he posted his career average .914 in the recent Playoff Qualifier. The goaltender ranks third with 117 wins and 11 shutouts in Penguins’ franchise history.
At 26-years old, the Thunder Bay resident has already played 250 NHL games, including 51 in the postseason. I don’t have to remind Senators’ fans of Murray’s performance during the 2017 playoff run.
Murray is currently a restricted free agent, requiring a contract. The netminder received a $3.75 million qualifying offer from the Penguins earlier this week.
Sensational saves, two Cups, and many moments improving the Pittsburgh community. Thank you for everything, Matt Murray. pic.twitter.com/Ni55jYWgMo
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 7, 2020
Dorion on Matt Murray – “The acquisition of Matt Murray represents an important addition to our lineup. He’s a proven goaltender who has considerable high-pressure experience and someone who we’re certain will serve as an exceptional mentor to our young group of upcoming goaltenders.”
Draft picks
33. Roby Jarventie LW – Koovee – Mestis (Finland) – 36 games 23 goals 15 assists
Jarventie is another Senators’ drafted player containing NHL bloodlines. Roby’s father Matti played one game with the Canadiens in 2001-02. The defenseman had a long career in his native Finland.
Roby currently is a teammate of Senators 2019 number one Lassi Thomson with Ilves in the Finnish Liiga, and has one goal, one assist in two games this season.
Jarventie is known as a scorer who does everything at full speed.
The youngster told Full Press NHL, “I think I’m a big player who skates pretty good for my size. My strengths are scoring goals and offensive play.”
Anticipation is the name of the game for Roby Jarventie. He's a high-pace player who can make smart quickly without hesitation and forces turnovers with nice strength. https://t.co/KhegwFvTCc
— Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisTHN) October 7, 2020
Senators trade picks 59 (from NYI) and 64 to the Maple Leafs for pick no.44
44. Tyler Kleven LD – US National U18 – 45 games 2 goals 10 assists
USNDTP juniors – 17 games 0 goals 2 assists
A six-foot-four, 201-pound defenseman Kleven is committed to the Senators’ “affiliate,” University of North Dakota. Kleven joins his new roommate, Jake Sanderson, Jacob Bernard-Docker and Shane Pinto as members of the Fighting Hawks.
Kleven is known as strong defender whose strength is his one-on-one play.
“I think I’m a big, physical two-way defenseman. I play a shut-down role. I think I excel in that – just being reliable on the PK, and in big moments in a game, that’s when the coach really calls upon me,” said Kleven in his Zoom call.
61. Egor Sokolov RW/LW – Cape Breton – QMJHL – 52 games 46 goals 46 assists
A late-bloomer at 20-years old, Sokolov has developed into an elite shooter with the Screaming Eagles. Was a teammate of Drake Batherson in his rookie year with Cape Breton.
Egor Sokolov, Senators 2nd round pick, showed he's as good a person as he is a player https://t.co/SNccDYVBUv via @NHLdotcom
— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) October 7, 2020
71. Leevi Merilainen G – Karpat U18 – 19 games .942 Sv Pct
Karpat U20 – 16 games .908 Sv Pct
Not much is known of Merilainen other than he’s played three games this season with U20 club with Karpat. Senators scout Mikko Ruutu is well-versed with Finnish player, and must see potential in the six-foot-two, 159-pound youngster.
4:56 pm – Pierre Dorion states on the NHL Network/Sportsnet broadcast, “Without a doubt Matt Murray will be our number one goalie.” Unfortunately netminder Anders Nilsson is still feeling the effects of a concussion suffered in mid-Decesmber versus the Panthers.
155. Eric Engstrand LW – Malmo J20 – 37 games 23 goals 35 assists
Malmo SHL – 9 games no points
Like Sokolov and Victor Lodin drafted from Orebro SHL in 2019, Engstrand is 20-years old. Has size, six-foot-four, 212 pounds. Still finding his way the SHL this season, yet to pick up a point in three games.
158. Philippe Daoust C/LW – Moncton QMJHL – 58 games 7 goals 22 assists.
Native of Barrie, ON, Daoust failed to catch on to a team in the OHL. He’s taken it in stride and has found his game in the “Q.” Daoust is viewed as a leader on the Wildcats club and is currently an alternate captain.
The Ottawa Senators take the @NOJHL alumni Philippe Daoust from Moncton. Former French River Rapids player. 20 OHL teams let him walk to the QMJHL & he has flourished. I'm happy for the kid & it further shows that the path is rarely straight.
— North American Central Scouting Independent Bureau (@MarkSeidel) October 7, 2020
181. Cole Reinhardt LW – Brandon WHL – 56 games 31 goals 24 assists
Reinhardt played left wing on a line that featured Senators 28th overall pick Ridly Greig at centre this past season. Was also an alternate captain on the Wheat Kings club.
