Report: Sens’ GM makes bold prediction for top prospect Chabot

You can excuse Ottawa Senators fans if they’re a little excited about a certain defenseman on their squad. And for once we’re not talking about Erik Karlsson. No, we’re talking about blue chip prospect Thomas Chabot.

The 18th overall selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft is expected to compete for a roster spot with the Sens in 2017-18 after an outstanding season of junior hockey in which he was named tournament MVP at the World Junior Championships and claimed a QMJHL championship with the Saint John Sea Dogs. He scored 10 goals in 45 points in just 34 games with the Sea Dogs this past season and added a remarkable 23 points in 18 games during the team’s playoff run this past spring. It’s this incredible showing that has led Sens’ GM Pierre Dorion to make the following proclamation:

That’s a bold statement. There’s no denying that the kid has looked good at the junior level, but he’s still just a kid. It’s rare for a 20 year-old to make the jump directly from junior hockey to the NHL. Even more so for defensemen. 

Nevertheless, there’s a gaping hole on the Sens’ blue line thanks to the absence of Marc Methot, so don’t be surprised if Chabot finds himself as a fixture on the Sens’ blue line sooner rather than later.