Room To Grow For The Sens

Ben is a hockey nut and a recent university graduate. Like most post-uni grads he's unemployed and wants to make himself feel better by writing about something he loves. As always feel free to comment on his work or chirp him @BennyGallant

In what very well could have been Bryan Murray’s last draft as general manager of the Ottawa Senators it seemed like the change of guard was starting. The Senators media presence was primarily done by assistant general manager Pierre Dorion who did interviews and was seen doing trade talk on the floor. The Senators made a three trades over the weekend to go along with eight selections including doubling up selections in rounds one, two and four while making no selections in round three or six.

Skill Is The New Truculence

Ben is a hockey nut and a recent university graduate. Like most post-uni grads he's unemployed and wants to make himself feel better by writing about something he loves. As always feel free to comment on his work if you agree or disagree - just be nice.

Over the past two days we saw the new era of Toronto Maple Leafs management as Kyle Dubas fielded all trade discussions and Mark Hunter led the charge up to the podium with Leafs sweaters and caps in hand. The Leafs made nine selections during the draft and completed three trades with OHL-grads Hunter and Dubas at the helm and many are praising their work over the weekend in stocking the Leafs prospect cupboard for the future.

2015 Mock Draft 15-20

Ben is a hockey nut and a recent university graduate. Like most post-uni grads he's unemployed and wants to make himself feel better by writing about something he loves. As always feel free to comment on his work if you agree or disagree - just be nice.

15. Calgary Flames – Nick Merkley (Kelowna Rockets – WHL)
After an unexpected run that took the Flames to the second round before losing to one of the best team's this year, the Flames will be rewarded with a Top 15 pick. Merkley’s year has been full of ups and downs while he’s been on one of the best WHL teams that featured Leon Draisaitl and the winger finished the season with 20 goals and 70 apples for 90 points. Merkley had a solid playoff run finishing 3rd in playoff scoring with 27 points as his Kelowna Rockets won the WHL Championship and made it all the way to the Memorial Cup Final before losing to the Oshawa Generals.

Projection: Merkley projects out as a playmaking 2nd line C option that could allow Sam Bennett to adjust to the wing in the Flames system.