Hard work pays off. That’s the lesson to be taken from today’s announcement by the Ottawa Senators that Mark Kastelic has signed a two-year extension. The deal will carry an average annual value of $835K, paying the young forward $800K in 2023-24 and $870K in 2024-25. Senators general manager Pierre Dorion released a statement:
Mark has worked tirelessly to earn all that has come his way since being a late round draft pick three years ago. He’s reliable, competitive, takes exceptional pride in his conditioning and routinely showcases a willingness to take on any challenge. He’s set a very good example for the young players and prospects throughout the organization.
Not only was he a late-round pick, selected 125th overall by the Senators in 2019, but it was in his third year of eligibility after going undrafted twice. The WHL tough guy just kept getting better as he worked harder and harder on the ice, to the point where NHL teams couldn’t overlook him anymore. His 47-goal, 122-point campaign with the Calgary Hitmen in 2018-19 landed him with Ottawa, and he would make quick work of the AHL.
Partway through last season Kastelic would come up to the Senators and make an impact right away, racking up hits and providing energy in the bottom six. He was winning draws, landing checks, and dropping the gloves, even chipping in a little bit of offense despite limited minutes. This year he’s a regular on the fourth line, and has already scored two goals in six games. It’s those faceoff numbers that are so impressive though, and why Kastelic could have a long career as a depth forward in the NHL.
He’s now won 37 of 52 draws this season for an incredible 71.2% win rate. That’s a weapon head coach D.J. Smith has relied on, despite not actually playing Kastelic very much. Even though he’s averaged just 8:23 of ice time so far, he actually leads the team in won faceoffs – and that’s on a team that doesn’t have a single centerman under 50%.
The offense that he brought in his junior days probably won’t ever come to the NHL, but at 23, Kastelic is a great story of how dedicated work can secure a spot. He’s found a niche and is excelling at it, leading to some financial security for the next two seasons.