The Senators announced they’ve loaned center Zack Ostapchuk to AHL Belleville. It’s likely a temporary move to accrue cap space that will be reversed before Tuesday’s game against the Sabres.
It’s the second time this season that the Senators have recalled and reassigned Ostapchuk in short order, only keeping him rostered when necessary for game days. Usually, those transactions have been accompanied by a recall or reassignment for forward Adam Gaudette as they attempted to draw out his temporary waiver exemption as long as possible. Gaudette played in his 10th game of the season yesterday night against the Kraken, though, meaning he now requires waivers to head back to Belleville. With six goals in those 10 games, it’s hard to imagine Ottawa risking exposing him to the rest of the league.
Ostapchuk, 21, has played in the Sens’ last three games. The 2021 second-round pick recorded his first career NHL point in his first appearance of the season against the Blues on Oct. 29, and he’s posted a +1 rating with four blocks and four hits while averaging 11:55 per game. He and Gaudette have been serving as fill-ins while Shane Pinto is week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, and David Perron is on personal leave. However, Gaudette has likely leapfrogged someone like Zack MacEwen for a spot in the lineup when the Sens return to total health.
While with Belleville this season, Ostapchuk has done well with a goal and four assists in six appearances. The 6’3″, 205-lb Edmonton native serves as an alternate captain in his second professional season. Up in his small NHL sample, his possession play looks much improved from last season’s underwhelming seven-game trial. The Sens control 60% of expected goals with Ostapchuk on the ice at even strength, although only 46.3% of shot attempts. The latter number is fair, considering Ostapchuk has started 60% of his zone starts in the defensive end.
Ostapchuk has one season after this one on his entry-level contract at a cap hit of $825K. He’ll be a restricted free agent in the summer of 2026.