Anthony Duclair signs one-year extension with the Ottawa Senators

OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 26: Ottawa Senators Left Wing Anthony Duclair (10) applies pressure on the forecheck during first period National Hockey League action between the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators on March 26, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 26: Ottawa Senators Left Wing Anthony Duclair (10) applies pressure on the forecheck during first period National Hockey League action between the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators on March 26, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Ottawa Senators have today announced that forward Anthony Duclair has agreed to a one-year extension with the club.

Anthony Duclair returning to the Ottawa Senators is a positive move for the organisation, after the journeyman impressed during his brief stint in the Canadian capital this past season.

Duclair originally joined the Senators in a trade that saw two second-round picks (in 2020 and 2021) also sent in exchange for Ryan Dzingel and a seventh-round pick in 2019.

In 21 games since the trade, Duclair registered 14 total points – scoring an impressive eight goals during the end of season stretch.

More from Ottawa Senators News

His points totals came close to matching those he achieved in 53 games with Columbus (19pts, 11G-8A), with many now wondering if he has finally found a place where he can perform and begin to truly settle into his career after years bouncing around the league.

The Pointe-Claire native has already put his name into the Senators history books, scoring the game-winning goal in what was the team’s 500th home win in the NHL – a 4-0 demolishing of the Buffalo Sabres back in March.

The one-year extension comes at a reasonable price for the Ottawa Senators, costing the team just $1.65 million for the season.

It also gives the 23-year-old left winger an opportunity to prove that he is capable of maintaining the impressive production seen prior to the end of the season.

With recent reports suggesting that Senators GM Pierre Dorion is in discussions with a number of agents for the team’s restricted free agents, it is unsurprising to see Duclair getting a new deal.

Other players such as Colin White, Christian Wolanin and Marcus Hogberg will be top priorities for the organisation to re-sign, with Cody Ceci also engaged in discussions on a new deal.

With the Ottawa Senators likely to rely on a number of young players next season, bringing back an experienced NHLer such as Duclair is a smart decision for both club and player.

Senators expected to qualify these RFAs. dark. Next

What do you think Sens fans? Are you pleased to see Duclair back in the Canadian capital? Which other free agents should the team lock up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!