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Ottawa Senators: Grading Pierre Dorion’s 2020 Off-Season Moves

By Jack Baines

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Genral Manager of the Ottawa Senators Pierre Dorion speaks with a runner prior to the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Genral Manager of the Ottawa Senators Pierre Dorion speaks with a runner prior to the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub (2) Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub (2) Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Artem Zub signed for 1 year, $925K

Why it made sense at the time: After spending a few years establishing himself as a high-end shutdown defender in the KHL, Zub broke out in 2019-20, scoring 13 goals and 22 points in 57 games for St. Petersburg. With Ottawa’s right defence consisting of Nikita Zaitsev, Christian Jaros, and Cody Goloubef, the team desperately needed an upgrade. While Zub was still a largely unknown commodity, having an extra body in the mix could only help.

How it looks so far: After the Sens added some further depth to the right side (more on that later), Zub fell down the depth chart and started the season on the taxi squad. Early on, it looked like this move may have been a mistake and Zub was destined for a quick trip back to Russia. Since drawing into the lineup, Zub has been fantastic. His first NHL goal was a beauty against the Leafs, helping to spark the famous comeback, while his analytics have been excellent, with his 5-on-5 xGF% of 54.20* ranks first among Ottawa defenders.

* all stats via EvolvingHockey unless otherwise noted.

Grade: A-, this looks like a solid move, and if Zub can continue this form and become a regular top-4 defender it could go even higher.

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