The waiting game is over as former Boston College Eagle Colin White has signed an amateur try-out contract with the Ottawa Senators AHL affiliate in Binghamton, and has made the next big step into becoming a pro hockey player in the National Hockey League.
News Release: #Sens announce prospect Colin White has signed an amateur tryout: https://t.co/SLDjOXnpFT
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 27, 2017
Colin White Signs ATO with Ottawa Senators Farm Team
When the Boston College Eagles got knocked out of the 2017 NCAA ice hockey playoffs mid-March, there were several questions surrounding Colin White and his future. “Does he stay with BC?” “Does he sign with the Senators?” “Will he immediately go up to the NHL or to the AHL (American Hockey League)?” Well, most of, if not all of these questions have been answered now that White has signed with the Senators. The deal gives the 20-year-old center a amateur tryout with the club’s AHL affiliate Binghamton Senators in a chance for him to prove himself to the team.
White is expected to sign his Entry-Level Contract with the Senators shortly. The only question that remains is if the three-year deal will be effective this season, as White wants; or will begin in 2017-18 as the Senators would prefer.
White, who was selected 21st overall by the Senators at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, has been labeled as an elite prospect for the Senators. White has played two seasons with the Boston College Eagles (2015-16 and 2016-17) and has played for the United States of America several times on a international stage. In 2014, he played in the Under-17 hockey tournament for USA, the World Junior Championships (18 Years Old) tournament in 2015, and has played for the USA World Junior Championships team from 2016 and 2017. In his international career, he has three gold medals and one bronze medal.
During his career with BC, White has played in a total of 72 games, scoring 35 goals and 41 assists. He is expected to fill in a bottom six role with the Senators offensive unit.
Scouting Report by Ben Kerr
Offence
Colin White plays a great puck protection and cycle game, always keeping his feet moving and working down low. He uses his body to shield the puck from defenders, and good stick handling to extend plays or to get by defenders. He has the soft hands necessary to finish in close to the net.
White wins the vast majority of his puck battles showing outstanding balance and lower-body strength for this age. He can establish position around the crease and create havoc when he is there. White is equally adept as a passer or as a shooter. He has a an accurate shot and a quick release that causes issues for goalies. White could stand to shoot a little harder though, and adding upper body strength in the coming years, will really help him get a little more on his shot. He also has good vision and passing skills, as well as the hockey IQ to spot the right play with the puck.
Skating
Colin White is a strong skater despite a choppy stride. He already has decent top-end speed and good acceleration and there is room to improve in both areas if he can work on his stride with a good skating coach. White also has good agility, and the edgework and lateral movement to get around defenders. With his puck handling skills and shot, he can be dangerous off the rush as well as working down low. He also has a very strong stride. White generates the power to fight through checks and continue to go to the net. His lower-body strength is there. As he adds more upper-body mass, he will become even more dangerous working the puck down low. Overall the skating is already pretty good, and one can see the potential for it to be even better.
Defence
White has shown the ability to play in his own end as well. He is a key penalty killer for the US team, and matches up against others top lines. White shows very good positioning and brings his ability to battle along the boards and contain the opposition in the cycle to help his defence down low. He maintains good gap control. Strong anticipation and a good stick lead to White causing turnovers and starting the transition game. He is also outstanding in the face-off circle, as one of the best in the USHL at taking draws.
In terms of potential, Colin White’s ceiling is to be a second line centre who can chip in points while also being an invaluable two-way guy who matches up against the other team’s top line and kills penalties. He will need some time to develop in the AHL. White’s game is reminiscent of Patrice Bergeron, but this is a style comparison and not one based on talent.
Main Photo:
