If you’ve read this corner of the page with any regularity over the past year or two or six or eight, you’ll recognize my three favourite centres for topic and discussion – Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.
Reasoning here is pretty simple: Eastern Ontario is predisposed to root for one or other (or the other other) of the above.
The rivalries between the three on the ice (and particularly in the fan bases) have been and remain vibrant, despite where the three clubs stand and sit in the standings.
It just is.
And as September opens and another season lies in wait – camps open in less than two weeks – much has been made in the way of change, and in the way of hope, with all three.
That’s another consistent.
With that in mind, fresh faces and some untried ones are counting on contributing to the greater good this upcoming season.
Let’s have a look at who’s bound to make an impact, and who’s sitting on the border, in 2024-25.
(We’ll limit the numbers to three skaters per team, otherwise this could go flying off into the vast and great unknown real fast).
OTTAWA SENATORS
RIDLEY GREIG: You truly have to start here when you’re looking at the Senators.
Ottawa hasn’t made the post-season in seven years and even figuring in a new head coach and new philosophy, the hopes for rapid improvement lie with the group of developing players.
None is more significant or could have a greater impact than this WHL graduate. (We’re leaving Jake Sanderson out of this conversation because, quite frankly, he’s already become Ottawa’s best defenceman).
Greig needs to be big here.
Now 22, Greig already has a world championship roster spot (Canada) under his belt and his first full season in the NHL (72 games, 13 goals, 26 points).
What Greig didn’t have last season but should this time around is a decent set of linemates (usually Mathieu Joseph and Dominik Kubalik, since departed). A move up the lineup won’t be unexpected.
The Lethbridge native also carries an intangible Ottawa lacks (or lacked), nastiness and an edge. Look for a big move up, role-wise.
TYLER KLEVEN: Arrival time is now for Kleven.
The native of Fargo turns 23 in January and potentially turns into a reliable component on the Senator blueline prior to that.
He’s certainly not a sure bet like Greig. Kleven boasts just 17 games of NFL experience in the last two seasons (53 games in Belleville last year – five goals, 21 points, 51 penalty minutes). He’ll be monitored closely especially considering Ottawa’s case study (it’s a very poor one) on defence the last seven seasons.
Like Greig, Kleven will be counted on for grit and gumption.
ZACK OSTAPCHUK: Broken record time. Ostapchuk brings, you got it, grit and gumption, if he makes the grade in Ottawa.
Another former WHLer, like Greig, Ostapchuk skated primarily with Belleville in 2023-24 and put up unspectacular numbers – 69 games, 17 goals, 28 points and 47 penalty minutes.
With Ottawa fight leader Mark Kastelic heading to Boston in the Linus Ullmark trade, there’s a spot for Ostapchuk on the fourth line. (Honestly, he’s a tonne better than Zack MacEwen in that department.) That’s all well and good but Ostapchuk will have to prove he’s adept at playing a capable defensive role and keeping up with the big-league flow as well.
Keep your eyes on this one.
MONTREAL CANADIENS
LANE HUTSON: The Habs’ hype-machine is running big with the slick Boston U. graduate.
Not blessed with size (I know – shocking when talking Montreal hockey . . .), Hutson is blessed with immense skill, quickness and hockey sense.
In his two-game debut with the Canadiens last season, Hutson impressed coach Marty St. Louis: “He covers a lot of ice, he’s very intelligent at both ends of the ice. He has excellent anticipation.”
He’ll likely grow into an anchor for Montreal’s power play in due time. He’s already looking like one of the big steals of the 2022 draft (62nd overall).
LOGAN MAILLOUX: The former London Knight had a stellar season in Laval (AHL) last year and was named to the league’s all-rookie team (no small feat).
He’s physical, which might create a road on to the Habs’ roster. Not going to be an easy trek though, Montreal’s depth in youthful defence is immense.
DAVID REINBACHER/FLORIAN XHEKAJ: Two skaters who likely won’t make the eventual cut after camp, but two skaters who’ll play significant roles shortly.
Drafted fifth overall just a year ago, Reinbacher dressed for Swiss club EHC Kloten for the season before heading to Laval and making a splash.
Xhekaj is a dark horse, but a damn big one who plays the same bashing style as big brother Arber. He’s made a huge jump skill-wise and could prove to be another steal for Montréal via the draft.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
EASTON COWAN: It would be tough to envision Cowan playing another year in the OHL. Clearly, he’s outgrown junior hockey after dominating the circuit in 2023-24 with the London Knights.
Here’s a guy who plays both bigger (he’s 5-foot-10 and 180 lbs.) and older (19) than he is. Smart defensively, Cowan posted huge OHL numbers (54 games, 34 goals, 96 points, +38) last year.
Unless your name is Auston Matthews though, Toronto has shown a reluctance to dress rookies in the recent past.
Cowan might just buck the trend.
FRASER MINTEN: Like Cowan, Minten played for Canada’s world junior club last season. He was also named captain.
Like Cowan as well, Minten’s game can be best addressed as being well-rounded. His numbers in the WHL weren’t mind-numbing (averaging about a point per game).
The one advantage Cowan has over his forward competitor is he can’t be sent to the AHL for development. Minten, who started last year in Toronto for Sheldon Keefe, is now 20 and possibly Marlies bound.
On that, Minten told The Hockey News: “You have to knock the door down,” to make the big team.
TOPI NIEMELA: Toronto’s top defence prospect doesn’t face the same roadblocks as his compatriots in Montreal where the shelves are well-stocked.
His game can be best described as slick. He led the AHL Marlies in defensive scoring.
Given Toronto’s lack of defensive depth, if Niemela doesn’t make the NHL club out of camp, he’s an injury or two away from taking the leap.
thegrossgame@yahoo.com
Photos: Ridley Greig Courtesy USA Today Sports; Tyler Kleven via André Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images; Zack Ostapchuk via bvmsports
