Ottawa Senators' 2020 Draft Class: A Game-Changer

0:00On April 24th, the Ottawa Senators' 2020 draft class stands out as one of the strongest in their 34-year history, with 10 picks, tying for the third biggest haul ever. It delivered franchise cornerstones like Senator Tim Stutzel, pick third overall, defenseman Jake Sanderson at fifth overall, and reliable winger, Ridley Gregg from 28th. They also snag top six blueliner, Tyler Cleven, and goalie prospect, Levy Merylainen. Stutzel, the 24-year-old German star, has exploded with over 400 points in 447 games, including a 90-point. Season cap by 39 goals. He's the dynamic partner for Captain Brady Tickachuk, shining in playoffs with three goals against Toronto last year. Sanderson, after college in North Dakota, racked up 57 points last season, and an overtime winner in the postseason, locking down Ottawa's, blueline for the next decade. Fans and scouts rave about how these picks fueled the Senators' first playoffs since 2017,

1:04pushing the Maple Leafs to six games. Gregg brings grit with double-digit goals and heavy hits, though his penalties add edge-perfect for playoff intensity. At just 23, he's climbing toward top six minutes. Cleven broke out with 79 games last year, blocking shots like a shutdown machine. While Merylainen posted an eight-win record with a stellar, 0.925, save percentage in 12 starts. The team extended him for $1 million, betting on his starter potential after strong A.H.L. numbers. A few others like Robi Javenti and Igor Sakhalov move on, but with half the class still driving Ottawa's rise, this draft sets them up for. Contention runs ahead. This has been NHL News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story.