Best player in this tournament for the Sens was Merilainen, who played two really good games & kept Ottawa in it especially against Montreal. A very close second, was Greig who only played one game but is clearly knocking on the NHL door with the Sens as is Kleven who IMO could step in as a 3rd pairing defenceman today. Ostapchuk is a guy who will need a yr in Belleville to fill out his all around game, he will make his money making big hits, protecting teammates & scoring right in front of the net in the NHL. He is going to be a very good 200' player, good defensively & on the PK. He could end up replacing Formenton on the 3rd line as a good young defensive depth player who can add a little offence. I also liked Donovan who has the size, skating & skillset to make it to the NHL someday, although I'm not sure it will be Ottawa given their depth at LD.
A couple of guys who I expected would be disappointing is Jarventie & Hamara given what I had seen from them at development camps. They both don't like the rough style & are easily pushed around by lesser players who get in their face. Jarventie has the skating, size & skillset package that you want, but I'm not sure he has the drive or determination & at times plays scared. If he showed more drive he could be an excellent top six player but just seems too lackluster. Both could end up being trade fodder for the GM. We'll see how Fizer & Turne do at main camp & whether they can get an invite to Belleville or not, I don't see either as NHL players.
