The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is fast approaching, and the Ottawa Senators are poised to make some exciting moves. With a focus on local talent, the team is eyeing several promising prospects from the Ottawa 67's and beyond. But which players will make the cut, and what does this mean for the Senators' future? Let's dive into the world of hockey prospects and explore the possibilities.
The Local Talent
One thing that immediately stands out is the wealth of local talent available to the Senators. Players like Thomas Vandenberg, Spencer Bowes, Adam Levac, Jean-Cristoph Lemieux, and Peter Legostaev are all homegrown stars with the potential to make a significant impact in the NHL. What makes this particularly fascinating is the diversity of their skills and the fact that they all hail from the Ottawa region. From centers to wingers, these players bring a unique blend of talent and potential to the table.
The Rise of Vandenberg and Bowes
Amongst the local prospects, Thomas Vandenberg and Spencer Bowes have stood out as two of the most promising young forwards. Vandenberg, a 6-foot, 178-pound left-shot center, burst onto the scene in 2025-26 with the Ottawa 67's. His performance was nothing short of impressive, racking up 25 goals, 25 assists, and 50 points in 59 games. In the playoffs, he continued his stellar play, scoring four goals and seven points in nine games. What makes Vandenberg even more intriguing is his age; he is one of the youngest players eligible in the draft, with his September 8 birthday coming just a week before the September 15 cutoff.
Similarly, Spencer Bowes has also made a name for himself with the 67's. The 6-foot, 172-pound left winger notched 23 goals and 42 points in the regular season, with all of his goals coming at even strength. His performance in the playoffs was equally impressive, contributing four more goals and eight more points. Bowes' rise up the draft rankings this season is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he is a strong candidate to hear his name called on Friday or Saturday.
The Promise of Levac and Lemieux
Another standout local prospect is Adam Levac, a 6-foot, 176-pound right-shot center from the Peterborough Petes. Levac broke out in his second year with the team, recording 16 goals and 44 points in 60 games. His performance in the OHL Top Prospects Game was particularly impressive, recording an assist and two faceoff wins on two attempts. Lemieux, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound left winger from the Sudbury Wolves, also showed promise with 10 goals and 25 points in 23 games after a midseason trade.
The Future of the Senators
With the 2026 NHL Entry Draft set for nearby Buffalo, local prospects will have a much easier path to attending the event than they would have a year ago, when the draft was held in Los Angeles. While NHL Central Scouting and public rankings suggest several players from Ottawa, Gatineau, and the surrounding region could be selected, where — or if — they are drafted will ultimately come down to each NHL club's internal evaluations. The Senators, who now hold 10 picks in this year's draft after Sunday's trade with Florida, will need to make some tough decisions and strategic moves to build a strong team for the future.
The Takeaway
In my opinion, the Ottawa Senators have a golden opportunity to build a strong foundation for the future by drafting these local prospects. While the draft is a high-stakes game, the team's focus on homegrown talent is a refreshing change and could pay dividends in the long run. As the draft approaches, fans can expect some exciting moves and strategic decisions from the Senators, and the future looks bright for the team and its loyal supporters.
