The Ottawa Senators announced Wednesday that they have come to an agreement on a four-year, $18.4 million contract extension with defenseman Artem Zub. The contract will hold an average annual value (AAV) of $4.6 million. Zub was a pending unrestricted free agent come July 1.
The contract will see Zub earn $4 million in 2023-24, $4.8 million in 2024-25, $4.8 million in 2025-26 and $4.8 million in 2026-27. Zub will also hold a 10-team no-trade clause.
Zub, 27, is in his third season with the Senators. In 2020, he signed a one-year, entry-level contract after putting up career highs in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia. Zub registered 13 goals and was tied for second among KHL defensemen. That season he also led the KHL with he beat plus/minus rating of plus-35. Last season with the Sens he recorded NHL career highs, tallying 22 points (6G, 16A) in 81 games. Through the first 142 games of Zub’s NHL career, he has 40 points (11G, 29A).
He has also represented Russia a handful of times over his career, which includes winning a gold medal as part of the Olympic Athletes from Russia team at the 2018 Winter Olympics. At the IIHF World Hockey Championships, Zub captured two bronze medals, one in 2017 and 2019.
“Artem’s transition to North American hockey has been remarkable,” said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. “He has worked hard to establish himself as an excellent NHL player and a strong defender. He consistently helps make us a better defensive team while he’s on the ice. We’re pleased to reach agreement with him on an extension of this length.”
