I thought Tait’s involvement all over the ice was the key in this one. He was disruptive in the defensive zone, showcasing a knack for breaking up plays and winning battles in the corners. He always seemed to want to engage, apply pressure, and try to break plays down. In the other direction, I was impressed by a similar theme of involvement, as he was frequently looking to creep in the offensive zone and try to get in on the offensive. The physical frame and long, fluid stride were once again apparent, showcasing the physical attributes that make him a notable prospect in this year’s class.

Tait stood out for his blend of smooth skating and composure. Tait consistently managed pressure well, making smart decisions to control play out of the back-end, and was the key to plenty of their successful breakouts. His mobility was at the core of a lot of his success, helping him both to retrieve pucks and skirt forecheckers, but also as a defensive tool to shut down rushes and take away space. Almost every shift he was noticeable, being that calming presence on the Senators blueline and always impacting the play positively. I’ll have no shortage of views on the powerhouse Senators this year and I look forward to diving deeper into Johnathan’s game after a solid first impression.