The Ottawa Senators have chosen Jaxon Cover of the London Knights (OHL) with the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
About Cover
Cover, originally a standout roller‑hockey player from the Cayman Islands, transitioned to ice hockey at age 13. This season with the London Knights, he recorded 20 goals and 32 assists in 67 games, finishing second in team scoring to Pittsburgh’s future first‑round pick Hunter Brzustewicz.
Scouting director Dan Marr praised Cover’s consistency: “Every game this year, he made you notice him. He did the small things, the little things that make scouts notice him. So he might have been a hidden secret going into the season. He’s not now.”
The Senators view Cover as a potential second‑line winger. He offers solid puck‑handling, good vision, and a goal‑scoring touch reminiscent of Tyler Toffoli, though his raw abilities will need time to develop into NHL‑ready skills.
Prospect Profile
Cover’s transition from inline to ice hockey has preserved key attributes such as stickhandling and natural scoring. When given space, he can navigate past defenders and generate scoring chances from various spots, including five power‑play goals this season. He plays the bumper spot on Ottawa’s power play, combining release and accuracy.
Offensively, Cover excels at battling in the corners and around the net, positioning himself well to receive passes. Defensively, he reads play effectively, stays disciplined, and uses his physique to hold his own. While his ice time is limited with the Knights, he maximizes each shift.
The main development area for Cover is decision‑making. He sometimes forces plays rather than scanning for better options, but this is expected to improve with increased experience and maturity.
Impact on the Senators
Ottawa’s recent trades left a gap on the wing, and Cover is seen as a building block for the future. He could develop into a complementary second‑line forward, pairing with established players like Dylan Cozens and Drake Batherson. Scouts anticipate continued growth, potentially enhanced by further NCAA experience, should the Senators opt for that route.
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