Ottawa Senators agree to massive extension with key defender
The Ottawa Senators have had contract talks the last few weeks with Artem Zub and today they have reached an extension with the Russian defender. Zub is in his third consecutive year with Ottawa and was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. Zub currently makes a reasonable $2.5 million per season. Look for him to have a salary bump around the $4-$5 million per season when his new contract takes effect next year. His contract details will be similar to the deal that fellow teammate Nikita Zaitsev signed several seasons ago. His deal was seven years at just over $31 million dollars. So Zub's contract is very reasonably priced. Also part of Zub's contract includes a list of ten teams that Zub will not be traded to.
This is a good move by the Senators. They clearly see Zub being a part of their future. Zub has played very well for the Senators patrolling the back end and he brings a physical element to his game. Zub is currently on injured reserve, and they miss his services. One of the Senators issues this season has been on the back end. However, Zub provides just what the Senators need. A rugged defender who can block shots, play physical, log a lot of playing time, and get the puck out of his own end effectively. Zub's play complements other offensive defenseman like Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson as well.
Zub had a different path to the NHL then typical players. Zub spent seven seasons in the KHL before coming over to the Senators. In fourteen games played Zub has two goals and two assists this season.
