The Ottawa Senators were the sixth-oldest team in the NHL last season (average age, 27.9 years), according to NHLnumbers.com, but it appears they're ready to get younger with a wave of prospects who are poised to reach the NHL.

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 31 teams throughout August. Today, the Ottawa Senators.

[SENATORS 31 IN 31: Season preview | 3 Questions | Fantasy breakdown | Behind the numbers]

Defensemen Thomas Chabot and Ben Harpur, and forward Colin White are legitimate challengers for jobs this season.

Here are the Senators' top five prospects, according to NHL.com:

1. Thomas Chabot, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 18 pick in 2015 NHL Draft

Last season: Ottawa: 1 GP, 0-0-0; Saint John (QMJHL): 34 GP, 10-35-45

Chabot, 20, made the Senators out of training camp last season and played one game before being returned to the junior level. He was dominant for Saint John of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and was named MVP of the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship (four goals, six assists in seven games), when he helped Canada win the silver medal.

Chabot (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) is a dynamic skater, gifted offensively and made good strides working on his defensive game last season. A left-handed shot, he is projected to give that side of the Senators defense an offensive boost to complement Erik Karlsson.

Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Colin White, C

How acquired: Selected with No. 21 pick in 2015 NHL Draft

Last season: Ottawa: 2 GP, 0-0-0; Binghamton (AHL): 3 GP, 1-2-3; Boston College (NCAA): 35 GP, 16-17-33

White, 20, helped the United States win the 2017 WJC with eight points (seven goals, one assist) and got a taste of the NHL after leaving Boston College following his sophomore season.

White (6-0, 183) made his professional debut in the American Hockey League and was called up to the Senators at the end of the regular season. He played in one Stanley Cup Playoff game and benefited from practicing with the Senators during their run to the Eastern Conference Final.

White is an above-average skater and a strong puck protector. If Derick Brassard's shoulder surgery prevents him from starting the regular season, White could get an audition in a top-six role.

Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. Logan Brown, C

How acquired: Selected with No. 11 pick in 2016 NHL Draft

Last season: Windsor (OHL): 35 GP, 14-26-40

After thumb and finger injuries, Brown, 19, helped Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League win the Memorial Cup last season.

Brown (6-6, 220) is projected to become the Senators' No. 1 center down the road. Much like White, Brown, who has a year of junior eligibility, could get a chance to start the season in the NHL if Brassard hasn't fully recovered.

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. Shane Bowers, C

How acquired: Selected with No. 28 pick in 2017 NHL Draft

Last season: Waterloo (USHL): 60 GP, 22-29-51

The Senators' scouting staff was impressed with Bowers' overall game. At 6-1, 183, he has to build up his size and strength, and he'll get the opportunity to do that at Boston University. The Senators would like to see the 18-year-old be more selfish with the puck and get out of a pass-first mentality.

Projected NHL arrival: 2019-20

Video: Senators draft F Shane Bowers No. 28

5. Ben Harpur, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 108 pick in 2013 NHL Draft

Last season: Ottawa: 6 GP, 0-0-0; Binghamton (AHL): 63 GP, 2-25-27

Harpur stands out, and not just because of his size (6-6, 222). The 22-year-old developed a bit of a mean streak in the AHL last season (81 penalty minutes), and his 25 assists showed he has the ability to contribute offensively. It earned him a promotion at the end of the regular season, and he had a chance to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs when defenseman Mark Borowiecki was injured in the first round against the Boston Bruins. That experience should help Harpur push for a full-time job in the NHL.

Projected NHL arrival: This season