Matt Weinstein

mweinstein@gannett.com | @SteinTime44

Chris Wideman leads the AHL in points and goals

Wideman is in his third professional season

Randy Lee is also the Ottawa assistant GM

Not only has Chris Wideman proved he belongs with the elite players of the American Hockey League, he's showing the signs of a player ready to compete at the next level.

Binghamton Senators general manager Randy Lee said the Ottawa organization is happy to see Wideman get rewarded for his play by leading the AHL in goals and points, a rarity for a defenseman, and that Wideman would be a serious candidate to earn a promotion to the National Hockey League if injuries strike.

"We're really happy for Chris because he's one of those character guys, a guy we've invested in for a long time," Lee said after a Binghamton home game last week. "We've always believed in him. He's not the biggest guy but he's plays big. He's taken the most of his opportunity, he's produced a lot of points and he's starting to show he can play at the NHL level."

Wideman, 24, is the overall leader in points in the AHL with 22 in 18 games and is tied with Chicago's Ty Rattie for the lead in goals with 11. The 5-foot-10 defenseman, who signed a one-year contract as a restricted free agent in the offseason, scored nine goals and 51 points in a breakout campaign last season.

Lee, who is also Ottawa's assistant GM, said the fourth-round draft pick in 2009 also plays well defensively and manages his 175-pound frame well on the ice.

"He has no problem defensively," Lee said. "He contains well, he leverages with his body, he protects the front of the net well. He knows where he's undersized with certain guys but guys don't beat him to the front of the net so we're pretty happy about it."

Wideman has been a leader on the power play for Binghamton, which is ranked fifth out of 30 teams. Wideman leads the AHL with 10 power-play points is tied for second with five goals. Although there is little opportunity right now, Lee said Wideman's offensive production could be called upon in Ottawa if an injury happens.

"It has to be an offensive guy that goes down," Lee said. "We're pushing the fact that if an Erik Karlsson or Cody Ceci went down that he would deserve a callup or do well if we gave him the chance.

"(Wideman is) playing the type of game he needs to play to showcase us that he can come up and play some games at the NHL level."

Lee also shared his thoughts on several other players including another top defenseman prospect, Fredrik Claesson. Lee said the third-year defenseman made a good impression in training camp and the coaches liked him so much they kept him longer than management anticipated.

"We thought he'd go back with the team to France (for the preseason) but he deserved to stay with the group and he really impressed them," Lee said. "Great penalty killer, doesn't get himself in trouble, makes safe plays and great teammate. He's doing really well."

Lee also said coaches were happy with forward Shane Prince's camp. Prince, who has 13 points in 16 games this season, did not spend the entirety of camp with Ottawa but Lee said that was not because of the 22-year-old's play.

"He's one of those guys who sort of got penalized because we knew what he could do," Lee said. "Some of the other guys, like Buddy (Robinson), who stayed up longer, stayed because he sort of just got on the coaches radar. They know how good Shane is.

"Shane is a really good player and produces points at this level so he's one of those guys who sort of got penalized, saying we know what he can do but we just want to take a look at the other guys. But Shane had a very good camp in Ottawa.

Lee also touched on veteran forward Derek Grant, who played 20 games with Ottawa last season but has yet to make his way back.

"He was a bit inconsistent but he's had a really good season now; we're happy with him," Lee said. "His camp was OK but we knew what he can do. When he went to Ottawa last year he played very very well. He really impressed us, especially early on.

"The coaches trust him up in Ottawa; he was killing penalties. He played very well and now he's starting to chip in offensively which is very good."

Grant has five goals and seven points in 18 games this season.