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Going pro? Ottawa wasted no time contacting prospect White

White McAvoy

United States Colin White, left, celebrates his goal against Russia with teammate Charlie McAvoy, right, during the second period of a semifinal game at the World Junior ice hockey championships, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 in Montreal. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)

AP

Colin White, the Boston College sophomore taken 21st overall by Ottawa at the ’15 draft, had his collegiate season end over the weekend with a loss to UMass Lowell.

And the Sens got right down to business.

From the Citizen:

Senators assistant GM Randy Lee, who is handling the talks, reached out to White’s camp after the loss and the club is weighing its options to try to determine the best route.

White was a standout for Team USA at the world junior championships but that doesn’t mean he’s NHL-ready, which is why Ottawa wants to do what’s best for both sides.

White, 20, has had a terrific last couple of years. He’s been a point-per-game player at BC and, as mentioned above, was a major catalyst at the world juniors. He finished second in the tournament in goals, with seven in seven games, and was a force in the U.S.'s gold medal win over Canada.

According to the Citizen’s Bruce Garrioch, “it doesn’t sound like either White or the Senators” are interested in him returning to school for his junior season. Which leaves two landing options: Ottawa, on an entry-level contract (and the potential for White’s NHL debut) or AHL Binghamton, on an amateur tryout (the Sens don’t lose a year off his ELC this way).

White could leverage going back to school to get Ottawa to sign him to an ELC. He would be no doubt thrilled at the prospect of making playing in the NHL -- especially for a team that looks playoff-bound -- but the Sens still have much to play for, and might not have the luxury of getting White into the mix.