Cirelli Awarded Calder Trophy

Thursday, May 28, 2020 - Day 169 of the 2019-2020 season. The Ottawa Senators fall 3-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs, en route to their eventual 2nd last place finish in the EHE standings. Anthony Cirelli, the Sens 23-year old top line Center, finishes the game with 2 goals, totalling 5 shots, 18:52 TOI, while winning 18 of 34 draws. 

The Senators came up short in the contest, and their season. Their prized rookie center however, exhibited the kind of "no quit" attitude that earned him recognition as the EHE's rookie of the year.  Cirell's impressive season included 5 game-winning goals, 10 powerplay goals, 30 goals, 30 assists, for 60 points, while averaging 17:44 TOI. Offensive output aside, Cirelli showed the kind of excellent two-way prowess that has Head Coach Barry Trotz salivating at his potential for more growth moving forward.

The two-way pivot is a dual threat, who can kill penalties, or shut down the opponent's top line, while chipping in offensively. Senators GM Cole Bates lauded the rookie's progression and work ethic:

"Cirelli is the definition of a no-nonsense work horse that is a coach's dream. We are extremely fortunate to have Anthony in our organization and I see him as an instrumental piece moving forward. Winning the Calder Trophy as the leagues rookie of the year is a great honour, and Anthony is very deserving."

Chatter among some circles of Sens fans suggest an appetite for anointing Cirelli as a future Selke winner, and Ottawa’s captain in the wings. Bates was quick to throw water on the captaincy, at least.

“We have plenty of experienced veterans on our group heading into next season. Despite being a young player, Cirelli is a leader in our locker room already. That being said, we would have additional candidates who are experienced, well respected veterans in this league."

That brings us to the status of a few of Cirelli's Senator teammates . Among the likes of current captain Ryan Murray, second-leading scorer Jared McCan, Ondrej Kase, and Tomas Nosek. Due in part to the Ottawa's activity thus far, rumours have swirled surrounding all four. One thing is for certain, Cirelli's supporting cast will look completely different next season. 

While change has been a common theme this off-season in Ottawa, we know Anthony Cirelli isn't going anywhere. The Senators soo-to-be super sophmore will have to adapt, and improve from his rookie season, in order to lead Ottawa out of the leagues basement cellar. Cirelli wont skip a beat.