May 1: The Senators have officially announced a one-year contract for Zub, now that his KHL deal has expired. Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion released a statement:
We’re pleased that Artem has elected to pursue an NHL career here in Ottawa. Artem is a smart defensive defenceman who moves the puck well and who utilizes his strength and mobility to make plays. His extensive international resume will help him transition to a North American style of play but his key attribute is his sound ability to defend.
March 27: The Senators have long been the front-runners to sign Russian defenseman Artem Zub and it appears that they will indeed be getting him. After a report earlier in the week had Ottawa on Zub’s shortlist, TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that the Sens are expected to sign him to an entry-level contract. His KHL contract runs through the end of April so an official announcement won’t come until May at the earliest.
The 24-year-old has been on the NHL radar for the last couple of years after a strong showing at the 2018 Olympics. While he hasn’t been a big point producer with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL (though he managed 22 points this year), he has been a reliable defender in his own end and logged more than 19 minutes a night this season. Zub also had a +35 rating in 57 games; while plus/minus isn’t as important as it once was among stats; it’s worth noting that the next best defender in that stat on his team was only +12.
Ottawa’s back end is certainly in need of some improvements with several spots up for grabs for next season. Thomas Chabot, Nikita Zaitsev, and Mike Reilly are the only established blueliners under contract for 2020-21 so Zub could certainly step into an important role right away and give them a quality upgrade as they look to start progressing towards battling for a playoff spot.
Man, based on the responses from Dregs’ Twitter post (link to twitter.com), it almost seems like Zub doesn’t understand where Ottawa is in the NHL pecking order, or he’s being stooged. Or, he really *does* want to hang out with Russian teammates he might have a previous acquaintance with. Either way, it appears he’ll be in line for a shorter-than-usual ELC, which could have him bolt for greener pastures a year sooner. Can’t find anything definitive on that part, though.
No Brännström? Hellooooooooooooo
Best thing for Brannstrom is if Ottawa isn’t going to give him a chance cause they sign, everyone that comes available on the market then move em’ out so they can get a prospects to stockpile for several years now, might as well package him in a deal Sens aren’t gonna give him a chance to play, might get a bag of pucks, and dinner for two maybe even another draft pick, trade him to Chicago will give you Zach Smith back.
They gave him 31 games as a 20 year old top prospect and he clearly needed more time in the AHL. How on earth is that not a chance?
@JD – Maybe G. meant that most of the kids, whether in OTT or elsewhere, look at a full season as “a chance”, but your point is spot-on. If he really needs more development in the AHL, he should come to grips with that and try to grow his game per D.J. Smith’s (and Pierre’s) direction. Don’t mean to speak for you or step on the old toes, so please chime in, if you want, G!
Zub nation
you’re right Mac, have always had problems with wording on any form of writing, and nothing personal on your part or JD with my wording , another oversight on my part my apologies to all . Mac , JD stay healthy and well .
You too man
Dorion’s mismanagement was a big part of the Senators need to rebuild and I’m surprised he kept his job.
But, honestly, he’s done a pretty good job with the rebuild.
If the lottery goes his way, it could become a great job.