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Erik Brannstrom and Drake Batherson were the last two Ottawa Senators off the ice Monday at the Canadian Tire Centre.

Fellow newcomers Scott Sabourin and Filip Chlapik weren’t far ahead of them.

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While all four are excited about start the NHL season with the Senators on Wednesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, there will be no shortage of eyes on Brannstrom, 20, and Batherson, 21, because they’re both considered high-end prospects in the organization with opportunities to have long careers.

Yes, Sabourin, who has been chasing his NHL dream in the minor-leagues, is the biggest surprise in the group, Brannstrom isn’t far behind him because in the first week of camp there were a lot question marks, but he has taken his game to another level and deserves the chance to start the season here.

“I just thought he got better as camp went on every single day,” coach D.J. Smith said on Monday afternoon. “One of the big reasons for me is him playing with a guy like (Ron) Hainsey and practising with him every day is going to speed up his development.