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Instant Analysis: Senators Make Surprising Waiver Decisions

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Despite a strong preseason, Adam Gaudette was placed on waivers by the Ottawa Senators. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)

The Senators made two big decisions today, placing both Jan Jenik and Adam Gaudette on waivers. This all but determines the group of forwards they’ve decided to go with heading into the regular season. Before looking into that group, let’s make sense of why Gaudette and Jenik hit the waiver wire.



READ MORE: 5 Things We Learned from the Preseason

Adam Gaudette

To begin the preseason, Gaudette was seen as a longshot to make the team. Afterall, he had spent virtually all of the last two seasons in the AHL. He was a monster at that level last season, though, leading the AHL with 44 goals. He also has over 200 games of NHL experience under his belt. Anyway, he needed to have a wow type of preseason to stick around for the regular season. Well, how about four goals and five points in five games? Those four goals were tied for the third most league wide this preseason. Apparently, it was not enough.

I feel for Gaudette, because he clearly came ready to play, created plenty of offense, and still ends up back in the AHL. On the other hand, I understand this choice. Gaudette was competing for a bottom line role. He was succeeding mainly on the offensive side this preseason. In fact, three of his five points came on the power play. How much power play time would he actually get in the regular season? It seems like Travis Green and company preferred to build a more physical, defensively-reliable fourth line.

I wouldn’t expect Gaudette to be claimed. If he lands in Belleville, he’ll be a huge help to what is looking to be a competitive team this season. The other positive for Gaudette is how he’s now on the Senators radar as a potential call-up if they are in need of some offense at some point this season.

Jan Jenik

This summer, the Senators and Utah Hockey Club agreed to swap two prospects in need of a change of scenery. It was Jenik coming to Ottawa as Egor Sokolov headed to Utah. Last weekend, it was Sokolov being placed on waivers. Today, it’s Jenik’s turn. This one comes as a little more of a surprise to me. Jenik did a little it of everything this preseason. He scored one goal and four points in six games, and racked up 17 penalty minutes. He was physical,  he was annoying and he worked hard. But still, it wasn’t enough.

Let’s not pretend he played an immaculate preseason, though. All four of his points came in the first game. He was more noticeable early than he was late. He just felt like the type of player that Travis Green prefers for his fourth line. Unfortunately for Jenik, a few others with similar skill sets beat him out. With so many players hitting waivers across the league, I would think Jenik would clear and end up down in Belleville. There could always be some team lacking depth that gives him a chance, though. If not, Belleville just gets that much stronger.

Ostapchuk and MacEwan Make the Team

In the end, the Zack’s seem to have made the opening night roster. MacEwan receives his share of hate from the fanbase, but his role seems obvious. He’ll mainly be the 13th forward, coming in to provide some added physicality when needed. His contract is as cheap as can be and he’s a willing fighter, even though he doesn’t win many. He was only in the lineup for 30 games last year. Even still, I would’ve preferred Jenik receiving this spot to start the season.

Ostapchuk is somewhat of a surprise. He is only in his second year of pro hockey. He did not need to go through waivers to be sent down. His preseason was solid, but not spectacular. Clearly, Travis Green and company saw enough good out of him to give him a roster spot to start the year. When he does play, he’ll be surrounded by veterans like Gregor and Cousins, so hopefully they can help him through any rookie inconsistencies. He absolutely has the potential to be a strong bottom six forward. He’s big, he’s physical, and he works hard at both ends of the rink.

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