Observations:

April 2014 – There are 2,000,000 reasons why it is difficult to see Weircioch not staying as an NHL regular and with a responsible 23 points in 53 games there is no reason to doubt his status changing. Weircioch has upside despite the fact he has Erik Karlsson ahead of him, as he is the only other pure-bred offensive weapon the Senators have on the backend and he still a couple years ahead of his prime. He has above average potential and could eclipse, average defenseman points, should he get regular power play time. He should not be a defenseman found on the ‘free agent’ list in is most fantasy leagues but is not likely a coveted one and may be purchased cheap from an unappreciative manager needing something more going into next season. Jason Banks

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February 2013 – He had some help in making the Senators coming out of the lockout with injuries to Jared Cowan and Mike Lunden. Weircioch is making the most of his opportunity as he has three assists in his six games thus far, despite seeing third pairing minutes (13:51 average icetime per game). With talk that Sergei Gonchar may be traded, Weircioch may instantly be thrust into a much more lucrative role which would likely include power play minutes alongside Erik Karlsson. In deep leagues he may be worth picking up now and storing him, in shallower leagues he is worth watching if a Gonchar trade happens. He has already compiled two of his points on the power-play. Jason Banks

April 2012 – Patrick is a rather large, hard shooting, offensive defenseman. The former second round pick is getting rather close to finding a place on the Sens’ roster. With only four returnees likely to don a red and gold jersey of the young Senators next season, Patrick has an outside shot at a spot. His development took a rather scary hit in early December. Pat was struck with a Norfolk defender’s clearing attempt, the impact created a very scary throat/neck injury. Before the injury he was playing great hockey with 12 points in 26 games on a terrible B-Sens team. Upon returning to the lineup, seven weeks later, he only produced eight points in 31 games. Wiercioch is the best projected puck-moving defenseman in Ottawa’s prospect pack, but he needs to develop a dependable defensive side to his game before he becomes a solid regular. Jason Banks

Fantasy Outlook: B-

Pat should be watched as a possible ‘hidden gem’, as he should continue to progress and eventually get power play and regular time as the size partner with the right shooting Erik Karlssson.

Footage:

A Weircioch rocket past Jeff Zaktoff!

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Ryan Miller is still looking for this shot…

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Off the rush for the smooth skating D.

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Point shot, just getting it through.

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Wiercioch’s injury, which derailed his 2011-2012 season.

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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

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