Senators Top 10 Prospects: #5 Alex Formenton

Number five on our list is 19-year-old forward, Alex Formenton. Drafted by Ottawa in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Formenton has spent the last three seasons playing for the OHL’s London Knights. While his 2018-19 campaign was plagued by injuries, he still notched 13 goals and 21 assists in 31 games. In the postseason, his production took off as he tallied 4 goals and 14 assists in 11 games.

If you’ve missed out on the first half of our list, you can check them out here:

• #10: Shane Pinto
• #9: Jonathan Davidsson
• #8: Mads Søgaard
• #7: Lassi Thomson
• #6: Jacob Bernard-Docker

The first year of Formenton’s 2017 entry-level contract will take effect this season. The former second-round pick aims to crack the Ottawa Senators’ opening night roster. This will be his third training camp in a Senators uniform. Last season he spent nine games with the NHL club, scoring one goal before being assigned back to the Knights for another season.

Strengths

Formenton’s biggest strength is his elite speed. He was considered the fastest player in his draft year by several scouts. Dobberprospects’ scout, Brad Phillips, stated that Formenton was, “…probably the fastest player in the 2017 draft possessing elite level wheels capable of beating anyone one-on-one.”

“He’s just a natural skater. Some kids have to work hard. With him, it’s there, it’s effortless. When he’s in camp with us, you’ll notice him right away. He’ll stand out with the speed that he has.” – Senators head scout Trent Mann on Alex Formenton

‘Formenton on fast track with Senators‘ – Chris Stevenson, NHL

Alongside Formenton’s speed, he has quick-release shots and great hand-eye coordination. The combination of these tools can be a lethal makeup for an excellent playmaker who poses a threat in the offensive zone.

Areas for Improvement

Unlike many junior players who’re coming up to the NHL, Formenton’s defensive game is not his primary weakness. He was a mainstay on the Knights’ penalty kill. Overall, he’s a good forechecker and is a defensively aware player. Instead, his biggest weaknesses are his size and his inability to finish his scoring chances.