Top 5 Ottawa Black Bears Players Entering the NLL Dispersal Draft
By Michael Karvelis
Ottawa Black Bears had several players who are hot commodities. The roster included an All-NLL forward, the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, and a proven starting goaltender.
Now that the Black Bears are reportedly done, here are the five best Ottawa players teams should have at the top of their lists in the inevitable Dispersal Draft.
1. Jeff Teat — Forward
There is little debate about who should be the No. 1 selection.
The 29-year-old forward remains one of the most dangerous offensive players in the National Lacrosse League. In 18 games during the 2025-26 season, Teat scored 44 goals and 71 assists for 115 points, finishing fourth in the league in scoring. He also recorded 119 loose balls and seven caused turnovers.
Teat’s value goes beyond the raw numbers. He was responsible for a remarkable amount of Ottawa’s offense and consistently delivered when games were on the line. He led the NLL in go-ahead goals with nine and scored 21 of his 44 goals in the fourth quarter.
The former No. 1 overall pick has also established himself as one of the league’s most consistent stars. The 2025-26 season marked his fifth All-NLL selection in six seasons.
For a franchise looking for an immediate offensive centerpiece, there may not be a more attractive player in the entire dispersal draft.
Contract: under contract until 27/28 (vet max begins this season)
Bottom line: If Teat is available, expect him to be the first player selected.
2. Callum Jones — Defense
The best defensive player available could very well be Callum Jones.
Jones was named the 2026 NLL Defensive Player of the Year after putting together a career-best season. The 27-year-old defender collected 173 loose balls, caused 32 turnovers and blocked 11 shots during the 2025-26 campaign.
His 173 loose balls ranked third in the league, while his 32 caused turnovers tied him for second. Even more impressive was his discipline: Jones finished the season with just 14 penalty minutes.
Jones also contributed offensively, recording three goals and eight assists for 11 points.
For teams that believe championships are built from the back end, Jones could be the most important player in the entire Ottawa dispersal pool.
He is physical, athletic, intelligent and entering the prime of his career. Those characteristics make him the type of defender a team can build around for years.
Contract: under contract until 28/29 (vet max begins 27/28)
Bottom line: The reigning Defensive Player of the Year should be one of the first defenders selected.
3. Zach Higgins — Goalie
Goaltending can make or break an NLL season, which makes Zach Higgins an especially intriguing potential selection.
Higgins has been a reliable starter throughout his career, and his two seasons with Ottawa have been no exception. In 2025-26, he started all 18 games, finishing with an 8-10 record, a 10.86 goals-against average and a .776 save percentage.
He also brings significant experience. The 35-year-old has played 192 regular-season NLL games and has accumulated more than 5,400 saves during his career. His career save percentage stands at .783.
For a team entering the dispersal draft with questions in goal, Higgins could provide an immediate answer.
Contract: under contract until 28/29 (vet max begins this season)
Bottom line: He may not be the flashiest selection, but a proven NLL starter is incredibly valuable.
4. Brent Noseworthy — Defense
Brent Noseworthy is another Ottawa player who could attract significant attention in the NLL Dispersal Draft.
The veteran defender brings a combination of size, physicality and experience that can be difficult to find in the National Lacrosse League. Noseworthy has established himself as a dependable presence on the back end and has the type of defensive skill set that could immediately strengthen another team’s transition and defensive units.
For teams looking beyond the offensive stars in the Ottawa player pool, Noseworthy represents an intriguing option. A team looking to add depth and experience to its defense could view Noseworthy as a particularly attractive selection.
Contract: unrestricted free agent (cannot turn down the tag)
Bottom line: Noseworthy gives teams an experienced defensive ‘glue’ option and could become one of the more valuable non-offensive players available from Ottawa.
5. Phil Caputo — Forward
Rounding out the top five is veteran forward Phil Caputo.
Caputo is an experienced NLL scorer who has consistently demonstrated an ability to find the back of the net. He entered the 2025-26 season with four consecutive campaigns of at least 20 goals.
His 2025-26 season was split between the Philadelphia Wings and Ottawa after the Black Bears reacquired him at the trade deadline. Across 15 games, he finished with 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points.
That production was down from some of his previous seasons, but Caputo’s larger body of work is what makes him attractive.
During his three seasons with Panther City, he scored 80 goals, the third-most in their brief franchise history. He was also an assistant captain during his time with Panther City.
Caputo isn’t likely to generate the same bidding frenzy as Teat, but teams looking for a veteran secondary scorer could find considerable value here.
Contract: under contract until 27/28 (vet max begins this season)
Bottom line: Caputo provides experience, scoring ability and leadership that could strengthen a contender’s offensive depth.
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