White noise: Top Senators prospect off to quick start
Colin White may not be in a hurry to make the NHL, but a mere 11 games into his NCAA career with the powerhouse Boston College Eagles, he is turning heads. The Ottawa Senators, who selected White in the first round (21st overall) at last June’s NHL draft, are full of optimism about his seamless transition into college hockey and about where he might be in two or three seasons.
The 18-year-old centre has six goals and 11 assists in 11 games. He is tied for third in NCAA scoring and first among freshmen.
“I’ve had the opportunity to play with some older guys and it has been great to learn what they do every day,” White says. He is on a line with Boston Bruins draft pick Ryan Fitzgerald and Matthew Gaudreau, brother of Calgary star Johnny Gaudreau. “There were some early adjustments, but I got the opportunity and took it.”
For Canadian hockey fans nurtured on the major junior hockey, the NCAA is a different animal. Lineups are have players in their early 20s.
That means White’s quick start at the NCAA has been a pleasant surprise for the Senators.
“I expected him to have a tougher time,” said Senators assistant GM Randy Lee. “It’s a real adjustment, but he has fit in so well. The fact he has such great hockey sense has allowed him to be an impact player there.”
In the short-term, White is focused on making the U.S. world junior squad. The Senators hope he is put into a position where he is trusted in critical, high-pressure situations.
Eventually, White will have to decide when to jump into pro hockey. Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres played a single year at Boston University before stepping directly into the NHL, but most college players need more seasoning.
“I’m not trying to be in a rush,” says White. “But whatever is right. Whether it’s in two years, three years or at the end of this year. It just depends on when I’m ready.”
Lee says statistics are only part of the story.
“A lot of times when we evaluate, it’s not about numbers,” Lee says. “If you’re not playing the right way, you can’t be effective, not only at the NHL level, but also at the AHL level.
“It’s about playing the score, being on the right side of the puck, understanding when to commit offensively, how to draw penalties, how to be in tough games and still be an effective player.”
Ultimately, the decision on turning pro is based on whether there is still room for development in college and whether there is suitable ice time available within the NHL organization.
For now, White is relishing being on a Boston College team that is 10-1 and ranked second in the NCAA, having outscored opponents 48-13.
“I want guys to push me and I want to push other guys,” says White. “I thrive off that. That has been really good for me.”
I’m not trying to be in a rush. But whatever is right. Whether it’s in two years, three years or at the end of this year.