5 Ottawa Senators Players to Build Around in 2014

By Tyler Ruby

5 Ottawa Senators to Build Around in 2014-15

Ottawa Senators — The Ottawa Senators had a difficult 2013-14 season as they failed to make the playoffs after making it the previous year. That doesn't mean that the talent isn't on the roster, though. They have some bona fide stars who can make a real difference in the Eastern Conference.

Take a look at the five players the Ottawa Senators need to build around in 2014.

5. Clarke MacArthur

Clarke MacArthur

5. Clarke MacArthur

Clarke MacArthur — Clarke MacArthur may be the oldest player on this list, but he is still a player the Senators can build around for the upcoming season. The Senators don't have a ton of quality goal scorers, but MacArthur is one of them. He scored 24 goals for Ottawa this year, second only to Kyle Turris.

4. Robin Lehner

Robin Lehner

4. Robin Lehner

Robin Lehner — He wasn't great statistically last season, but Robin Lehner showed his potential to be the goalie of the future for the Senators. With Craig Anderson getting up there in age, it should be Lehner's job to win soon enough. He finished the 2013-14 season with 12 wins and a .913 save percentage.

3. Bobby Ryan

Bobby Ryan

3. Bobby Ryan

Bobby Ryan — Bobby Ryan is the prototypical power forward in the NHL. He had a down season in 2013-14 compared to his lofty standards he set in Anaheim for years, but he is still one of the top forwards in the league. He tallied 48 points last season, scoring 23 goals and adding 25 more assists.

2. Kyle Turris

Kyle Turris

2. Kyle Turris

Kyle Turris — Kyle Turris is probably the best pure goal scorer on the Senators roster. He led the team with 26 goals at only 24 years old. He definitely is a player a team can build around because pure goal scorers don't exactly grow on trees. Ottawa needs to hold on to Turris and make him a featured player on its top line.

1. Erik Karlsson

Erik Karlsson

1. Erik Karlsson

Erik Karlsson — Erik Karlsson isn't just the best defenseman on the team, but he is the best player. In fact, he is one of the best players in the league, evidenced by his 2012 Norris Memorial Trophy for top defenseman in the league. He had a case for that award this year as he totaled 74 points as a defenseman. He scored 20 goals with 54 assists. Those totals are truly remarkable. He is the cornerstone of the Ottawa franchise.

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