After splitting the last two seasons between the Ottawa Senators and their AHL affiliate Bighamton Senators, Matt Puempel has re-signed with the team for another year. The left winger and former first-round pick will earn $900K at the NHL level, and just $75K if he stays in the AHL.
Puempel has played 39 games in the NHL over the past two seasons, scoring four goals and six points during that time. The 2011 draft choice has performed well at the AHL level however, including 30 points in just 34 games last season.
The Senators will now turn their attention to their two remaining RFAs, Mike Hoffman and Cody Ceci, both important players to get under contract. The team has almost $16MM left under the cap, but will assuredly not spend right to the ceiling.