Senators Looking To Extend UFA Forward

The Ottawa Senators have a bit of work to do as they look to build off of their best season in a while. The team appears to have finally gotten over the hump and don't intend to take a step back. The core is intact, and while they will look to upgrade, keeping certain pieces around is just as important.

So while some players' contracts are expiring and they are set to hit free agency, the Senators are looking to avoid that with Adam Gaudette, who broke through this season.

Gaudette played his first full season in the NHL at age 28 and put up a career high of 19 goals as the fourth line center for the Senators. With that step forward and the battle he had to get back to the NHL, he earned whatever contract comes his way and I don't think he is going to be too picky about anything other than getting a one-way deal.

Gaudette looked like he was going to be an everyday NHLer when he was 23 and scored 12 goals and 33 points in 59 games for the Vancouver Canucks. Before this season with Ottawa, he played just two NHL games over the last two seasons.

After potting 19 goals and the cap going up, I think the Senators can get away with $1 million AAV to $1.5 million AAV on a one-way, two-year deal for Gaudette. At this point in time, Ottawa needs to make at least four forward additions, whether that be through a trade, free agency, or by re-signing players. They have some cap space to work with and the expectation is for the Senators to improve and get back to the postseason.

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