SUNRISE, Fla. — The Great One predicts Ottawa hockey fans could be in for a treat this season.

After denying rumours he's about to become president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Wayne Gretzky told Hockey Night in Canada radio Wednesday he's been impressed with the way the Senators have been playing early this year.

"The team that I am pleasantly surprised with, and how good they're playing and how much depth and talent they have for a young group, is the Ottawa Senators," said Gretzky from Los Angeles.

"I'm really impressed by how they're playing and how they've started. They are strong on the puck, solid defensively. They could be a big surprise. It could be a fun year for the people of Ottawa."

Gretzky noted before making the comments that people have been talking about Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and the Minnesota Wild "making a big splash," but he's liked the Senators thus far.

KID IS ALL RIGHT

Robin Lehner took the news like a man. He's only 21 years old and has been tabbed as the goalie of the future, but like many in the game the Senators' top prospect wants to stop riding the bus for good in the AHL and be a full-time player in the NHL. Coach Paul MacLean told Lehner to be patient before he left to make the five-hour drive to Binghamton. "Just keep doing what you're doing," MacLean said he told Lehner. "He's really improved over his time here and this year he has been outstanding at the AHL level. He's an all-star down there and he's leading the league. Those are things we want him to continue doing."

The Senators admitted last season they had their concerns where Lehner was headed, but they've witnessed an attitude change in the last 12 months that is positive.

"Now, he does have that patience that there is a process to it," MacLean said. "It's not just given to you and you're not just entitled to it. At some point in time, you have to go through certain steps to get here. Sometimes, you flat out have to wait and that's just the way it is."

MacLean said the path Lehner is following is no different than one many prospects have followed before him.

"He's gone through the frustration part of it. Flat out, to play in this league you have to take somebody's job," said MacLean. "You don't just get it given to you. There is a process that has to go on for every play. Robin's just like a lot of (players). Not everybody just gets to come in and play in the league. Sometimes there is a process that they all have to go through to get to this point and when they do, they're ready and they can stay here for a long time."

OFF THE GLASS

They won't have a lot of time in the Sunshine State, but the Senators were happy to escape the ice-cold temperatures in Ottawa. "I thought I had (experienced cold like this before) because I went to the University of Maine," said goalie Ben Bishop. "I've never felt anything like (Wednesday). It said minus-18 in my (car) ... and my car is Fahrenheit." ... MacLean moved Peter Regin back to centre during Wednesday's skate. He'll have Jim O'Brien and Erik Condra on the wings. "I didn't like him as a winger. I liked him way better as a centre," said MacLean. "I think Jim O'Brien is more comfortable as a winger than (Regin) is so I'm going to try that."

THIS N' THAT

If the Senators want add toughness, the Canucks have been trying to move D Jim Vandermeer so they can give him a chance to play. He cleared waivers Tuesday and was sent to the club's AHL affiliate in Chicago. He makes $600,000, but has a minor-league guarantee of $225,000. The Blues put D Jeff Woywitka on waivers Wednesday ... RW Jakob Silfverberg had a lot of texts congratulating him on his first NHL goal Monday vs. the Panthers. Once the puck has been mounted, it'll be put in a special place at his home in Sweden. "It'll go with the puck I have from my first goal in the Swedish league," said Silfverberg.

AROUND THE BOARDS

Goalie Craig Anderson makes his off-season home close to Sunrise. He skated at the Panthers practice facility in Coral Springs during the lockout with Roberto Luongo and goalie coach Francois Allaire. They were on the ice together four times a week working on the technical aspects. Anderson's wife and child stay in Florida before coming to Ottawa later in the season. "They need to get some things closed up there before they come back," said Anderson. "I've spent a lot of time on the phone (with them) in the last few days, but I've also had some time to spend with the guys to create a bond you usually only get on the road." ... People are excited about the Senators' fast start. Scotiabank Place is already pretty much sold out for Sunday's 5 p.m. visit by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

bruce.garrioch@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @sungarrioch