Lassi Thomson back from Ottawa and focused on the Calder Cup playoff stretch drive

Although sophomore defenceman Lassi Thomson is knocking on the NHL door after making his Ottawa Senators’ debut earlier this season, he insists his recent successes have come from taking it one step at a time.

“It’s not how fast I get there, it’s more how long I’m going to be there, and that’s my goal. I don’t want to rush there. I want to be ready when I get there,” Thomson said.” It’s an opportunity for me every time.”

It’s not hard to see why the smooth-skating native of Tampere, Finland, has repeatedly been elected for recall. The 21-year-old continually impresses executives with his vision from the backend. In 24 games with Belleville, Thomson has notched 16 points (six goals, ten assists).

“That’s a big part of my game that I can make those types of plays,” Thomson said, noting his undeniable offensive skill set. Unsurprisingly, the 2019 first-round selection’s creativity and offensive production translated with Ottawa, collecting five assists in 16 appearances.

While developing his overall game in the Friendly City, Thomson knows that he’ll need to improve in his own zone to become a full-time player at the NHL level. “At this point, I need to work on my defensive game and build on that,” he said.

With hard work and the guidance of head coach Troy Mann and his staff, Thomson should become a mainstay at hockey’s highest level in short order. In the meantime, the young rearguard is focused on a postseason push.

A strong February has the AHL Senators currently in the fifth and final playoff spot in a tight North Division with 28 games remaining on their schedule.

“We have a lot of games upcoming, and of course, we need to continue winning so we can get into the playoffs, but we have to go game-by-game and not overthink it,” Thomson said.

So far, that approach has allowed Thomson considerable success. His strong play may even help lift Belleville into the Calder Cup conversation, which undoubtedly will create a great amount of excitement in the Bay of Quinte Region.

Submitted by: Joel Vanderlaan / @JoelVanderlaan