(Editor's note: As the 2012-13 season draws closer, ottawasenators.com will take a daily snapshot look at some of the returning players from last year, with both a look back and a look ahead).

COLIN GREENING

2011-12 stats: 82 GP, 17 G, 20 A, 37 PTS, 46 PIM, -4 rating

Last season: In his first full NHL season, Greening made an immediate impact as a power forward. Playing mostly on a line with Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek, the native of St. John's, N.L., fell just shy of being a 20-goal scorer, with the promise of more production to come in the years ahead. Greening ranked seventh among all NHL rookies in scoring and finished in a tie for fourth among all first-year players with four power-play goals. As well, the 6-3, 212-pound winger was one of only three Senators to suit up for all 82 games (Jared Cowen and Nick Foligno were the others). He supplied a big physical presence for the Senators every night.

The highlight: Without a doubt, it was being a part of the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend in Ottawa. Greening was one of 12 rookies selected to take part in the Molson Canadian All-Star Skills Competition. As part of Team Chara, he recorded the fastest lap time (12.963 seconds) during the Bridgestone Fastest Skater event. Greening reached the final, where he was edged out by Carl Hagelin of the New York Rangers.

Looking forward: At 26 years old, Greening seems on the verge of beginning to enter his prime as an NHL player. His combination of size, speed and smarts, along with a willingness to wreak havoc in front of the net, should make him an offensive threat for years to come. He's also capable of playing anywhere in the lineup, from the first line to the fourth, and can be effective in a variety of roles.

Quote: "I was certainly very honoured to be in the all-star (weekend). I couldn't have expected that. To be on a line with Michalek and Spezza for most of the season was great, and to also spend time playing with Alfie (Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson) ... they're great players. I don't want to say I was surprised by any of it, but there were some interesting sights along the path."