Local Scouting, a New Baby Senator and Unprecedented Support

The last few days have not been kind to the Ottawa Senators on the ice, but we’ve been blessed with some Links, News and Notes that range from heartwarming to just plain awesome. Let’s not wait any longer to dive in!

• First off, congrats to Mark and Tara Borowiecki on the birth of their first child! The Boro-cop is missing the Senators’ current road trip to be with his wife, and the two welcomed a beautiful boy, Miles Marek Borowiecki into the world yesterday.
• Future 1st overall pick Alexis Lafreniere was in Gatineau over the weekend for two games between the Olympiques and his Rimouski Oceanic. Pierre Dorion also was in Gatineau to enjoy the show, and Lafreniere didn’t disappoint, putting up two goals and two assists in total. With the trade deadline fast approaching, Dorion may look to move a few decent pending UFAs to “influence the draft position”.
• Speaking of, Dorion had plenty to say to on Thursday, as the Senators’ GM offered his thoughts on the trade deadline and development of the prospects. To summarize, Dorion emphasizes having the right mix of veterans and young players, and is keen on moving certain pending UFAs if the return is right. In my mind, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Dylan DeMelo and Tyler Ennis are all too valuable to let go for nothing on July 1st, so expect them all to be locked up or traded before the deadline.
• @SensProspects recently brought about a rumour that the Senators are looking to sign 2018 6th round pick Kevin Mandolese. Cape Breton’s starter is having a great year, leading the QMJHL with a .923% save percentage. You can never have too many goaltenders in your system, and signing Mandolese would no doubt add to a very impressive group in Ottawa. With Anders Nilsson, Marcus Hogberg, Joel Daccord and Filip Gustavsson all slated to be under contract for next season, the ECHL seems like the most likely destination for Mandolese.
• Women’s hockey took another step forward yesterday, as a record 13,320 were in attendance in Anaheim for the final game of the year’s Rivalry Series between Canada and the United States, with the Americans winning 4-3. It’s great to see the women’s game gaining popularity, as a crowd this size further proves that this is a product that is absolutely worth investing in. /