The Ottawa Senators announced that they have signed defenceman Artem Zub to a one-year entry-level contract. The deal will commence at the start of the 2020-21 season. The Senators announced the deal on May 1st.
Ottawa Senators Ink Artem Zub
News Release: The #Sens have signed defenceman Artem Zub to a one-year, entry-level contract: https://t.co/WgFwRLMCWn pic.twitter.com/lJRyv7ejp9
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) May 1, 2020
The Khabarovsk, Russia native spent the past season with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. In 57 games played, he scored 13 goals and added nine assists for 22 points to go along with 22 minutes in penalties. The 24-year old defenceman has spent the last six seasons in the KHL, splitting his duties between SKA St. Petersburg and Amur Khabarovsk. During that time, he scored 19 goals and added 35 assists for 54 career points in 256 career games played.
Zub has also represented his native country in international competition numerous times. In 2012-13, he represented Russia at the U-18 World Junior Championships where he scored two goals in six games played. He even represented his country at the Olympics in 2018 where his squad took home the gold. In that tournament, he collected four assists in six games played.
Zub is considered a modern-day defenceman. He is great at controlling a power play and being the main play-caller on the ice. Zub is also not afraid to get physical when called upon. Using his 200-pound frame, Zub uses his size to his advantage to clear the front of his net from any dangers and to win puck battles in the corner.
What This Means for the Future
The Senators are getting a good player in Zub. Although it may take a few games for him to adjust to the smaller rinks of North America, he should be able to adapt pretty fast. Zub plays a fast fluid game that is perfect for their system. He will join a young defence group lead by star defender Thomas Chabot. Zub will look to make a good impression out of the gate that will hopefully help him in the future.
