Jonathan Gruden

October 2020 – Gruden was traded as part of the deal that brought Matt Murray to the Ottawa Senators. He will be closer to the top of the Pittsburgh Penguins prospect pool and should have an easier road to the show now that he isn’t the forgotten man in Ottawa. Tony Ferrari 

February 2020 – Gruden has been enjoying an excellent season in the OHL in what will likely be his first and last as he graduates to Belleville next season. The Senators could elect to have him stay in London as an overage player but that’s unlikely as he’s proven to be a good player at the level. His 61 points in 54 games are impressive for a player who gets varied deployment from night-to-night. Should Gruden help London to some playoff success in the OHL, they will have gotten exactly what they wanted when they lured him away from the NCAA in the summer. As for Gruden, he has been able to take a middle-six role and produce at a decent clip with the Knights. He should be able to make the jump to the AHL next season with Belleville. Tony Ferrari

December 2019 – Gruden was among the latest round of cuts for the U.S. World Junior squad. He was up against it when it came to making the team with a loaded camp roster. Not making the American team for the World Juniors shouldn’t discourage the former University of Miami (Ohio) standout as he likely would have made it in most other years. He’s had a successful season with the London Knights and he should continue that. The hard worker has become a leader with the Knights and will continue to showcase his skills in the OHL. Tony Ferrari

November 2019 – A welcome addition to the London Knights, Gruden has immediately stepped into a leadership position with the perennial OHL powerhouse. He currently has 28 points in just 21 games and has been a play driver for the Knights, sitting second on the team behind only OHL leading scorer Connor McMichael. Gruden’s versatile game has allowed him to quickly adapts to the OHL game after a year in the NCAA. The Senators have to be happy with the development of the 2018 fifth-round pick who looks to be more fo a certain NHLer every day. Tony Ferrari

August 2019 – After being drafted out of the USNTDP last year, he attended the University of Miami (Ohio) last season. He led all freshman on his team with 15 points in 38 games during his brief stint in the NCAA. He signed an entry-level contract with the Senators in April which made him ineligible for the NCAA. This led to him signing with the London Knights of the OHL. While next season is likely going to be his lone season with the Knights, he should immediately step in and be a contributor to the OHL powerhouse. He has a well balanced skill set, blending play making with scoring. He is a strong skater that never stops moving his feet. He takes quick, agile strides that creates space for the American forward. He keeps goalies guessing with the puck on his stick, waiting until the last second to make a decision on whether to pass or shoot. He projects as a middle six forward who can play a responsible game, making the smart play more often than not. His offensive game is intriguing because of the puck skills and skating ability. Gruden is relentless in pursuit of the puck in the defensive zone. He has a consistent effort and good positioning in his own end. He will likely need some AHL seasoning after this season in the OHL, but the hard-working forward is developing according to schedule. Tony Ferrari