The Ottawa Senators have extended intriguing rookie defender Artem Zub for the next two NHL seasons through 2022-23. The team may be eliminated from this year’s postseason, but they have begun preparing their roster for the offseason to come. Agent Dan Milstein announced the extension Friday morning.
Artem Zub signs 2 year contract extension with Ottawa Senators! #WeAreGoldStar! pic.twitter.com/k3IPwWDNzL
— Dan Milstein-Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) May 14, 2021
Senators Extend Artem Zub
Zub was a definite bright spot for the team on the blueline in 2020-21. The 25-year-old defenceman scored three goals and 14 in 47 games. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they are good enough for Zub to end the year third among Ottawa defenders still on the roster. He ends the year behind only star Thomas Chabot and veteran Nikita Zaitsev. Zub also posted a 49.0 percent Corsi For and 1.0 relative Corsi, which reflects a skater who could be at least average in terms of puck possession. Finally, he also contributed 89 hits and 70 blocks thanks to some hefty deployment in the defensive zone.
The Sens originally signed Zub as an undrafted free agent last year after several seasons in Russia. The 6’2″ Russian had been with SKA St. Petersburg since 2016-17, collecting 15 goals and 37 points in 160 games. Those aren’t outstanding stats either, but much of that did come in 2019-20 when Zub scored 13 and 22 in 57 games. It’s clear that Ottawa sees very little risk in a former KHL defender who has size and some apparent scoring ability.
What This Means For The Future
This deal solidifies Zub as a top-four blueliner for the next two seasons. The team has younger and more talented defenders already, but Zub is key for several reasons. First, he adds depth on the right side as a right-handed shot. Second, while the team is stocked with prospects, many of the best are already at the NHL level. The rest are very young and may need at least one more season before they are truly ready. Extending Zub is a smart insurance policy against having to force players into NHL action too early.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
