Ottawa opt to select defenseman with 21st pick

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Having two selections in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft is an excellent opportunity to add two great players to the organization whom they hope they will be part of their future. Needing help at every position, Ottawa in this PHN mock draft identified one of the most pressing needs by drafting center Ryan Strome with their first selection with the sixth pick overall in PHN’s Mock draft. Needing to focus on rebuilding the future of the organization teams can never have enough good defensemen. Looking at the present, and what the team expects at the position in near future, two prospects knock at the door for next year. They are David Rundblad and Patrick Wiercioch. Another good prospect the organization might have to take a good look at next training camp is the Senators 9^th overall selection in 2009, Jared Cowen. The 6-5, 228 pounder ended this year with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League with 36 points (14g-22a). Besides these three prospects on defense, Ottawa needs to build a certain dept at that position. The player the organization should look at should be big, mobile, and have good size and strength. According to International Scouting Services draft guide, they have a player in mind that could be described as such a player who could answer Ottawa needs.

At 6-3, 197 pounds, ISS describes Duncan Siemens as someone who could be the next potential Senators selection. He is fearless and competitive, never giving up much room on the ice and is willing to propel his body with great speed. His skating is very strong and very rarely has a player beat him wide. Siemens has a great work ethic and loves the pushing and shoving associated with playing in front of his own goal and in the corners. His biggest appeal is that he projects very well as a shutdown defender who can play big minutes when the games get tough and also can contribute from time to time in the offense and the power play. He also plays an intimidating and energetic style of defense that is very explosive and can really apply intense pressure on puck carriers. He is projected to play on the second defensive pair and he can be used on the second power play unit. Could Siemens become a next Kevin Biaksa? Maybe, but whoever takes him will find out soon enough. “With the 21^st selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Ottawa Senators are proud to select from the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League, defenseman Duncan Siemens.” To learn more about Duncan Siemens click here. Contact the author at serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com