Throughout the NHL season we’ll be updating you on the development of key Ottawa Senators prospects with some stats, videos, analysis and scouting reports.

Based on how last season concluded it’s not a huge surprise the Senators sit second in the Atlantic Division. Though they lack top-tier stars outside of defenceman Erik Karlsson, the Sens have gotten some solid production out of in-house talent. Last year it was players such as Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone (fifth- and sixth-round picks, respectively) plus the undrafted goaltender Andrew Hammond that played key roles in getting the Sens into the playoffs.

This year Curtis Lazar is proving his worth, while Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Zack Smith are reliable bottom-six forwards and Matt Puempel is getting some time with the big club.

On the blue-line, things might not be going well for 2009 ninth overall pick Jared Cowen, but Patrick Wiercioch and Cody Ceci make up a decent second pair, and Mark Borowiecki provides the type of grit every team needs a bit of.

With that in mind, here’s a look at how some of the Sens’ current prospects are faring this season.

Thomas Chabot: D, Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL

Drafted: First round, 18th overall, 2015

Season to date: 18 GP | 6 G | 10 A | +8

The Sea Dogs are fighting for first place in the Maritimes Division and Chabot is a big reason why. Chabot was on the QMJHL squad for the 2015 CHL Canada Russia Series and will be a strong candidate to represent Canada at the upcoming world juniors. The smooth-skating blueliner is averaging nearly a point per game and consistently goes up against the opposition’s best forwards.

While his play in his own end has improved this season, he’s still known for his offence. This ridiculously smooth end-to-end goal where he slices through the Drummondville Voltigeurs like a hot knife through butter shows you what he’s capable of.

The 18-year-old is closer to being NHL ready than most players his age.

Colin White: C, Boston College

Drafted: First round, 21st overall, 2015

Season to date: 10 GP | 6 G | 9 A | +13

White is lighting it up in his first season at Boston College and a four-point effort against the University of Massachusetts highlighted a solid start to November for White.

As a defensively responsible, two-way centre who’s proficient in the face-off circle, he has been compared to the likes of Patrice Bergeron and Ryan Kesler. White has made significant strides with the U.S. National Team Development Program and figures to play a key role on what should be a dominant Team USA at the world juniors.

Francis Perron: LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL

Drafted: Seventh round, 190th overall, 2014

Season to date: 20 GP | 16 G | 24 A | +6

Whenever a seventh-round pick produces at the rate Perron is, it’s got to be a boost of confidence to the scouting department. The 19-year-old sits third in QMJHL scoring, averaging two points per game through his first 20 contests.

What’s just as impressive as the point total is the fact he has at least one point in every single game this season. He’s a terrific playmaker, which bodes well for a player who lacks size.

Nick Paul: LW, team, Binghamton Senators, AHL

Drafted: Fourth round, 101st overall, 2013

Season to date: 13 GP | 0 G | 6 A | +5

Like many first-year AHLers, Paul is having his ups and downs while adjusting to the tempo and style of play.

He’s the only forward on Binghamton without a goal (at least among those who have played more than three games) and he was benched for a game earlier in the month.

Drafted by the Stars, Paul was acquired by the Sens as part of the Jason Spezza trade in 2014. With Spezza producing in Dallas and Alex Chiasson (also acquired by the Sens in that deal) struggling, there is more pressure on Paul to develop into a valuable NHL commodity.

Despite some struggles this season, Sens director of player personnel Pierre Dorion reportedly recently said he knows Paul will eventually make it on the Senators.

Gabriel Gagne: RW, Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL

Drafted: Second round, 36th overall, 2015

Season to date: 4GP | 3G | 0A | 3P | Even

The 19-year-old is having a rough season. He suffered a lower-body injury during Sens training camp, which caused him to miss the Tigres’ first 18 games of the season.

He managed to play four games in early November, scoring three goals, but aggravated the injury. Tigres head coach Bruce Richardson recently admitted the team might have allowed Gagne to return too soon.

He’ll remain out of the lineup until he’s back to 100 per cent. When healthy, Gagne is a handful for opposing defenders. He’s 6-foot-5 and when he fills out he’ll be 200-plus pounds.

He’s coming off a 35-goal campaign in his second full year in the Q and has serious upside.

Matt O’Connor: G, Binghamton Senators, AHL

Drafted: Signed as undrafted free agent

Season to date: 6GP | 0-5-1 | 4.14 GAA | .859 SP

The Boston University alumnus was one of the most coveted college free agents in the off-season, but as his stat line shows he has struggled to adjust to the AHL game after signing a two-year, entry-level deal worth $925,000 in May.

“There are guys in those games that have played 20, 40, even 100 games up in the NHL,” O’Connor told the Ottawa Citizen. “The first line in the AHL is really offensive. It’s a real good challenge for me to learn and grow as a goalie.”

O’Connor started the Sens’ home opener this season, but wasn’t quite ready for the spotlight.