Jorian Donovan is set to make his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators on March 24, 2026, marking a significant milestone in his young career. At just 21 years old, Donovan has demonstrated his potential as a defenceman during his second full season with the Belleville Senators of the AHL, where he recorded a career-high 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) in 58 games.
Selected 136th overall by Ottawa in the 2022 NHL Draft, Donovan has quickly risen through the ranks. He originally played for the Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs, where he won an OHL championship, before being traded to the Saginaw Spirit, where he clinched a Memorial Cup. Over his OHL career, he amassed a total of 113 points (28 goals, 85 assists) across 185 games.
Donovan’s performance this season has made him the top left-shot option in Ottawa’s prospect pool, currently ranked #5. Despite a -12 rating and 70 penalty minutes in the AHL, his well-rounded two-way play, pro size, and excellent skating have drawn attention from coaches and scouts alike.
He also represented Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, showcasing his skills on an international stage. Donovan’s father, Shean, played for the Senators from 2007 to 2010, adding a personal connection to the franchise.
As Donovan prepares to step onto the ice against the Detroit Red Wings, observers are eager to see how his AHL success translates to the NHL level. The Senators are hoping his debut will inject fresh energy into the team as they continue their season.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact lineup and game strategy for Donovan’s debut, but anticipation is building among fans and analysts alike.