Observations:

May 2014 – Stephane Da Costa had an impressive season in Binghamton with 18 goals and 40 assists in 56 games and a plus-19 to boot.  This is certainly good news for Da Costa, who many had written off as a valued prospect for this organization.  Although Binghamton was knocked off in the first round, Da Costa produced at a point-per-game (two goals, two assists).  The fact that Da Costa seems to have some chemistry with other Sens prospects and the fact that those prospects could challenge for roster spots next year, bodes well for him to crack the lineup come September.  Unfortunately for the Paris native his size is still a bit of an issue, especially considering JG Pageau brings a similar type of game (and size) and the organization seems to be higher on him (a playoff hat trick will do that).   It’s worth noting that Da Costa also had a strong performance at the World Championships, including two goals in a surprising 3-2 win over Canada. Nathan Kanter

 

October 2013 – Da Costa has been waived and sent back to Binghamton of the AHL. Da Costa was invisible in his four games with Ottawa this season. Fortunately, Da Costa has responded with five points (a goal and four assists) in five games since being sent down. Unfortunately, this seems to be the trend with Da Costa, he puts up good numbers in the AHL but fails to produce in the NHL. For Sens fans this is reminiscent of former Sens prospect Corey Locke, who also thrived in the minors yet couldn’t make the jump to the big leagues. It seems unlikely that Da Costa will crack the Sens lineup for a long period of time but if the injury bug bites he could see some action in Ottawa this season. Nathan Martin

 

October 2013 – After a very impressive training camp and preseason, Stephane Da Costa finally cracked the opening day roster of the Ottawa Senators. The so-so tryout from Mika Zibanejad gave an opportunity for another young prospect to make the leap onto the roster and Da Costa seized the day. Da Costa demonstrated his speed and ability to make plays in all three zones, a key for a center of his size. Unfortunately if he does not start to produce soon (zero points in four games) he’s going to be the player that falls victim to Zibanejad’s inevitable return. Nathan Martin

 

March 2013 – He has re-emerged in Binghamton as the team’s leading point getter and is currently producing at 0.75 points-per-game rate. He received a small stint with the big club due to several injuries they were suffering from. In nine games thus far, he has failed to make a strong enough impact to keep himself up. His outlook is still decent, just needs to make the most of an opportunity to bump someone from the roster. Jason Banks

 

November 2012 – Da Costa was resigned by Ottawa for a single campaign and was assigned to ‘Bingo’. After posing 36 Points and 104 shots in 46 games last year at the AHL level, he has started ice cold going a hat trick of games with no points only three shots and a negative three. He is currently either being scratched or injured. His lack of production is unfounded as only Mark Stone, Jakob Silfverberg and Mika Zibanejad are potentially held down players, and none of them should be taking ice from De Costa. Binghamton will struggle if Da Costa is not getting involved and producing at a regular rate. Jason Banks

 

February 2012 – Da Costa was the most prized free agents coming from the college ranks in 2011. Ottawa signed the slick and gifted centerman to a two-year deal after completing just his second year on the campus of Merrimack College. Tallied 45 points in both seasons in NCAA competition while previously developing his game in the highly rated Tier I junior ranks of the USHL. Struggled to find both ends of his game consistently in Ottawa to start the 2011-12 season, has started to find success on the farm down in Binghamton (AHL). Russ Bitely

 

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Gifted on the offensive end with high-end shot and elusiveness, yet lacks in NHL speed and defensive assignments.

 

Footage:

Stephane Da Costa scores in front of net for Ottawa Senators against Bruins on 11/1/2011:

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