The Ottawa Senators will receive some great news tonight as center Shane Pinto returns from an eight-game absence to face the Maple Leafs in Toronto. However, it’s not such great news for center Zack Ostapchuk, who will have to put his NHL dreams on hold for a while longer. The Sens made room for Pinto by sending Ostapchuk back to Belleville today.
When David Perron stepped away from the club for personal reasons, the Senators simply engaged their 13th forward, already on the roster. However, when Pinto was injured, it opened up NHL opportunities for some of the prospects down on the farm.
Cole Reinhardt, who’s killing it right now with 11 points in 7 games in Belleville, got the first opportunity to sub for Pinto. Reinhardt played two games in Ottawa before the club turned to Ostapchuk, who received a much longer look over the past six games, and logged his first NHL point.
Ostapchuk’s size, skating, and defensive presence are noticeable, and where he fits into an NHL lineup someday is still to be determined. While right now he’s projected to be a bottom-six player, he’s still just 21 and started the year at nearly a point-per-game pace in Belleville. His return to the AHL will allow him to continue working on all facets of the game in important situations, including his offense.
In the recent past, with the Sens’ lack of depth up front, they might have been tempted to rush Ostapchuk into the league. However, when healthy, this year’s improved forward depth in Ottawa allows for extra development time for young prospects like Ostapchuk, who almost always turn out better when they arrive in the league overripe rather than underdeveloped.
Read more Ottawa Senators news and features at The Hockey News Ottawa.
Related: Ottawa Senators Center Shane Pinto Says He’ll Return Tomorrow Against The Toronto Maple Leafs
Related: Popular Former Ottawa Senator Off To The Best Start Of His Pro Career
Related: Ottawa Senators Goalie Linus Ullmark Gets A Standing Ovation (And A Victory) In His Return To Boston
Read the full article here
