Ottawa Senators Should Expect Big from Eskild Bakke Olsen – Hockey Writers – Ottawa Senators

Standing at 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, Bakke Olsen is a versatile and intelligent forward. He was better known for his two-way style this past season, but he also has good passing vision to set up his teammates. Also, his crafty deflection hands and determination in battles make him a good presence in front of the net. Even better are his defensive skills, which he showed in Linkoping HC’s penalty kill this season.

Ultimately, Bakke Olsen is the player every coach dreams of having on his team. He doesn’t turn the puck over too much, plays maturely in his own and uses his speed to get back in transition.

Why He Can Succeed In This Team

The most obvious reason for Bakke Olsen entering Ottawa’s plans is the fact that the Sens have been building this hockey mold throughout their roster since Staios took over as GM. A team that doesn’t need pure talent to progress – especially comfort, fitness and those with a strong work ethic, like the Norwegian does.

But the Senators also tend to look for and recruit players who fit this mold. Michael Amadio, Nick Cousins ​​and Tyler Kleven are just a few of today’s names that come to mind. Amadio brings an “easy” game, coming in with both deep points and defensive plays while completing as many checks as possible (from ‘Michael Amadio suits Ottawa Senators,’ A resident of Ottawa, October 4, 2024). Kleven is a physical and defensive-minded blueliner, and Cousins ​​is an offensive, experienced and versatile fourth-line option who also produces points.

You can even look at some European players that have been brought in over the last five or so years. Artem Zub was considered a “smart defenseman” when he debuted in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), and he has changed his game with the Senators ever since. Imported from Finland in 2023, Nikolas Mattinpalo has become a solid depth option on the blue line. Even Tim Stutzle, who was already a “very smart, patient player” before he was sent off in Germany, has grown into the club’s top centre.

What does this all entail for Bakke Olsen? There is a purpose and a right to all Senators, regardless of where they come from. While he can draw inspiration from fellow Euro Sens like Daniel Alfredsson, who went from a sixth-rounder to the franchise’s greatest player of all time, Bakke Olsen doesn’t have to go that far to succeed on this team with his style of play. Just being him is why Ottawa wanted him in the first place.

Where are you playing next season?

For this team, Bakke Olsen could flourish as a bottom-six all-time center or contribute as a depth piece that comes in and out of the lineup. The second option is more likely, considering Shane Pinto will be the 3C, and the 4C position is up in the air.

Could the role belong to Bakke Olsen? It’s possible — but that all depends on the feedback he gives head coach Travis Green before the season. While he’s opened a lot of eyes this past year, the odds of someone without an NHL record being automatically trusted for that job are pretty slim.

That’s not to take away from his excellent on-ice knowledge and penalty-killing skills. These could easily be used on the wings, but the Senators should consider the likes of Amadio, Fabian Zetterlund and Warren Foegele as well.

There will be a lot of competition for those next six spots come September between veterans, youngsters like Stephen Halliday, or newcomers like Bakke Olsen. Regardless of how that plays out, Ottawa’s new acquisition should be seen in the American Hockey League with the Belleville Senators.

Bakke Olsen adds yet another piece of depth to Ottawa’s 50-skater roster thanks to his maturity. While that’s one recommendation in a long list of benefits made by this new Senators scouting regime, it leaves another interesting decision on how to use him next season in the one year of his entry-level deal.