After being traded over to the San Jose Sharks by the New Jersey Devils in 2023, Fabian Zetterlund started to show his potential by recording 83 points in 168 games on a bad Sharks team.
In March 2025, the Ottawa Senators saw Zetterlund's potential and traded for him at the trade deadline. After being traded over to the Senators, Zetterlund had some struggles and recorded five points in 20 games with the team.
Even with some struggles, the Senators see potential is still there for the 25-year-old to raise his game even more. Two days ago, Zetterlund and the Senators agreed on a three-year extension at $4.275 million per year. However, even after signing an extension, Zetterlund could still be trade bait in the future in Ottawa.
How Zetterlund can still be trade bait in Ottawa after three-year extension
Recording five points in 20 games after being traded was a struggle for Zetterlund. However, learning a new system and learning to play with new players can take time for a player to get used to.
The Senators trading away a 2025 second-round draft pick to the Sharks may have been a sign that the team didn't want Zetterlund as a rental. However, Zetterlund can still be trade bait in the future.
The 2025-26 season will be Zetterlund's first full season in Ottawa. Having a full season ahead to play along with some solid offensive players can help Zetterlund grow his game more.
However, if struggles for Zetterlund happen in year two of his extension in 2026-27, that is where the Senators could start to get concerned about Zetterlund's production. If Zetterlund's production drops in year two, the Senators could be eager to move his contract with one year remaining on it and save some salary.
If a trade doesn't occur after year two, year three of Zetterlund's contract could be looked at as to either trade him to add a better player on the roster at the trade deadline for a playoff push if he struggles. Or, if Zetterlund has a solid year and the Senators are struggling to chase a spot in the playoffs, Zetterlund can be seen as a solid trade deadline pickup for a team competing for a playoff push.
Zetterlund has shown his potential in San Jose with recording a 44-point season in 2023-24. Zetterlund recorded career highs 24 goals and 20 assists during that season on a bad Sharks team.
Before getting traded to the Senators this past March, Zetterlund recorded 36 points with 17 of his points being goals for the Sharks. Zetterlund was one of the only bright spots on a bad Sharks team in 2024-25.
It's clear that potential and hope is still there for Zetterlund with getting a three-year extension in Ottawa. However, there is still a chance that Zetterlund can be trade bait in the future in Ottawa. Expectations for Zetterlund in 2025-26 for the Senators will be high with now having a full season ahead of him.