Gabriel Landeskog and Jonathan Huberdeau, the second- and third-highest rated North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, worked out for the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday to showcase their skills in the hopes of impressing the coaching staff.
"I watched my first NHL game here with my dad and it's pretty special to see my name on the back (of the jersey)," Landeskog said. "Saying that, we don't know what the future holds and if this going to be my home in the next couple of years, I'd be very fortunate."
Landeskog and Huberdeau were two of five top prospects that the Senators invited to the city for a round of tests and interviews. On Monday, Mika Zibanejad, the second-rated European skater according to Central Scouting, joined Drummondville Voltigeurs centre Sean Couturier and Niagara IceDogs centre Ryan Strome for a workout.
"I want to be a part of everything I can, and if Ottawa wants to invite me for this I'm very fortunate to get that opportunity," Landeskog said. "There are a lot of kids out there that want [this chance] and I'm just happy to be here. It's just fun to be here and wearing an NHL sweater."
Landeskog had 36 goals, 30 assists and 61 penalty minutes in 53 games for the Kitchener Rangers last season.
Huberdeau scored 43 goals and added 62 assists while recording 88 penalty minutes in 67 games for the Sea Dogs. His club won the Memorial Cup, while Huberdeau was named the tournament's MVP.
Senators general manager Bryan Murray said these workouts are not so much about seeing how the players perform, but more of getting a chance to meet them and assess their character.
"Both of them appear like they could play next year (and) they both appear to be real quality men," Murray said. "We'd be fortunate if they were (available) at our spot, but who knows."
The Senators hold the sixth pick in the upcoming draft, which airs live on TSN on Friday, June 24 from Minnesota.
