Hayden Hodgson has spent a decade carving out a pro hockey life the hard way, and now he’s on the Ottawa Senators’ opening night roster after working his way through every stop along the way.
That path has taken the 30-year-old right winger from a five-year junior career to an AHL contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets’ minor league affiliate in Cleveland, then across North America and overseas in pursuit of an NHL chance. He’s logged time in the Slovakian league, played parts of four ECHL seasons and spent seven seasons in the AHL, all while keeping the same edge that has defined his game.
“Throughout my career, I never had it easy,” Hodgson remarked. “I've always had to play.
I went undrafted. I've always had to play (physical) to make myself known and to bring energy.
“That's what makes me tick, and that's how I like to compete out there. I try to bring it every single night and whatever it may be, if it's on the score sheet, it's in the hit or fight column or whatever it may be.”
Ottawa’s decision to carry him on its 23-man roster also answers one of the offseason questions around the club: whether the group had enough size and physicality. Hodgson gives them something different from the rest of the forward group, and that contrast is part of his value.
He showed exactly what that looks like in the Senators’ split squad game in Toronto. With Ottawa trailing 5-1 five and a half minutes into the third period, Hodgson dropped the gloves with former Senator Zack MacEwen.
“Obviously we're all still trying to get our touches and get the full game in,” Hodgson responded when asked about his performance in Toronto. “But, I thought it was good. I made my presence felt, and that's what I can bring to this hockey club.
“I can bring the energy and physicality by sticking up for my teammates and just doing whatever I can to make my presence known out there.”
In three preseason games, Hodgson didn’t record a point, but he did finish with two shots on goal and 23 penalty minutes. He also made a habit of going after bodies whenever the chance was there.
At 6’2” and 226 lbs, he brings a sturdy frame and enough skating ability to support the style he prefers: direct, abrasive, and unapologetically physical.
“I would hope so,” he admitted. “I just lay it on the line every single night, and if it's sticking up for my teammates, if it's laying a check and getting some momentum for my team, I think a team like this could use (that dynamic), and I'm happy to help.”
The Senators’ roster has been praised for its skill, and Hodgson knows he doesn’t fit that mold. With two former 20-goal scorers in Fabian Zetterlund and Warren Foegele, who could both spend time on the team’s fourth line, Ottawa has plenty of talent - just not many players built like Hodgson.
“There's obviously some high-end skill on this team,” Hodgson stated. “I'm just trying to make my presence known and solidify that spot in the fourth line or as an extra forward or whatever it may be. I try just to bring value to this team that they may be looking for.”
Kurtis MacDermid’s absence, after being designated as an injured, non-roster player, helped Hodgson’s case. But the winger sounds fully comfortable with the assignment in front of him.
“Of course, I want to make it known I'll challenge anybody,” Hodgson said. “I'm not afraid of it, and I love it.
I embrace it, and you know what? It's fun.
“This group, this group of guys are easy to play for, and you know what (Travis Green) and this coaching staff say. We like to play hard, and that's what I bring.”
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