Any delay in Derick Brassard’s recovery from shoulder surgery could leave the Senators leaning heavily on one of their first-round picks next fall.

Unless, that is, they land another veteran centre at some point this summer.

While most would expect Colin White to make the team out of camp, it would probably be a little much to ask the 20-year-old to assume responsibilities on one of the top two lines. Jean-Gabriel Pageau could be used as the second-line centre behind Kyle Turris, but coach Guy Boucher prefers him in a checking role, just as he likes Zack Smith on the wing.

The 21st pick in the 2015 entry draft, White gained what he claimed was valuable experience just being around the team's playoff run last spring. Mostly, it was as a Black Ace, but he did play two regular-season games and 2:39 of Game 6 in the Eastern Conference final.

“That was huge for my development,” said White, one of 40 players currently taking part in the team’s summer development camp.

“It was amazing for me just to see the atmosphere, and where I need to get my game. To see that level they had to take their game to every night in the playoffs, battling through injuries, that was eye-opening to me. It was something special.”

White feels he’s “knocking at the door” to becoming a full-time NHLer, but he’s not even thinking of where he might slot in at the start.

“I’m working really hard this summer already,” he said. "Lot of lifting, mobility, training, I’m training Monday to Saturday, pretty much. This summer is probably the biggest summer for me. I want to make the team next year. I'll golf a little bit here and there, but Monday to Saturday I’m pretty locked in for the summer.

“You can always get faster and stronger,” he added. “I think I have the skill to play in there, but if I get that strength and speed it will take me to the next level. That will keep me up, if I have that strength.”

Another consideration for the Senators, should Brassard not be ready to go in October, might be 2016 first-round pick Logan Brown — provided he has a big summer and camp, too.

With one more year of junior eligibility, Brown will start the season either in Ottawa or Windsor, where he helped his junior team win the Memorial Cup last month. If his play deems it worthy, the Senators could utilize the nine-game window that would allow Brown without it affecting his contract.

“Everyone’s goal is to play in the NHL ... you do everything you can to get there,” Brown said. “It’s ultimately up to the team, and the type of summer I put in this year. But my goal is to play in the NHL, as soon as I can. I’m looking forward to getting to camp.”

He was also anxious to arrive at the summer camp, after separate thumb and finger injuries interrupted his 2016-17 season.

“I think I missed 30 games total in the year. That was tough,” Brown said. “They were kind of back to back. I stayed on the ice. Kept the legs fresh and got in better shape. Definitely, now it’s getting the puck skills back and getting even more comfortable on the ice.

“Feels good to work on the hands again.”

Both White and Brown are expected to be a big part of the Senators future, possibility the team's top two centres for years to come. When, and to what extent, their futures in Ottawa get kickstarted has yet to be determined.

dbrennan@postmedia.com