Joined: Jan. 2018
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Now that the Sens season is over, I thought I'd take some time to highlight the players who were the biggest surprises to me this year.
1: I was cautiously very excited about what Zub could be, but didn't really expect him to be a real impact player. Once Zub got into the lineup, he was an immediate difference maker. He was a legitimately elite level defensive player, and the moment Zub got into the lineup marked the moment the Sens started to turn the season around. The Sens with Zub in were a top 4 team in the division, they just couldn't overcome their horrendous start.
2: Possibly the most wrong I've been about anything ever, I actually thought Logan Brown was going to make the team in that spot and Norris would start in Belleville. I thought Norris was NHL ready, I just thought he would fall behind Logan Brown, who I really thought was primed for a breakout. I never thought Norris would come in and play the way he did. He was thrust into the role of being a defacto 1C, and not only did he produce, he was great defensively as well. Probably the most well rounded forward Ottawa had this year. Couldn't ask for more out of a rookie.
3: coming into this season, I was pretty low on Gus. I hadn't been consistently impressed with his play in Belleville, and thought he was like 5th on the goalie depth chart behind Murray, Hogberg, Daccord and Søgaard. This season, he played well in Sweden and in Belleville, and was near perfect in his time in the NHL. I don't think any other Sens prospect has raised his stock higher than Gus.
4: Though he only played in 1/4 of the season for Ottawa, I've been a REALLY big fan of what he's brought. Defends very well despite his size, and he's been excellent at breaking the puck out. I don't know what MTL was thinking letting him go for free, but their loss has been a huge gain for Ottawa. Really hope it doesn't have to come down to Brannstrom or Mete next year once Sanderson arrives, because I think Mete can be a part of this team long term.
5: I loved Connor Brown last year, but he's been on a different level this season. He's still the same defensive stalwart as ever, but he really found a new level offensively this year. He's absolutely incredible, and he's such an important part of this team. So happy to have him in Ottawa. Even more happy that his contract year was last year not this year, because having him for two more years at 3.6mil is frankly insane value.