After being eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the second round of the 2025 playoffs as a member of the Washington Capitals, Lars Eller became an unrestricted free agent. Eller went from one playoff team to another two months ago.
Eller signed with the Ottawa Senators to a one-year contract this past free agency. The Senators will be Eller's sixth different NHL team while the upcoming 2025-26 season will be his 17th NHL season.
Eller is a respected veteran at 36 years old who won a Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018. However, the value the Senators signed Eller for was solid for the production he's had in his career.
Production from Eller for his contract is solid value
The contract Eller signed in Ottawa for this season was for $1.25 million, but can earn $1 million in bonuses depending on games played and how far the Senators go in the playoffs. If Eller delivers on his bonuses, he can earn as high as $2.25 million.
Two bonuses Eller could likely hit is if he plays in 40 and 60 games this season. Eller will earn $250,000 each if he plays 40 games and 60 games. Of the 15 seasons Eller has played in which it was an 82-game season, Eller played in over 60 games in 14 of the 15 seasons. Eller has two other $250,000 bonuses which can be achieved if the Senators make the 2026 playoffs and if the team reaches the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals.
Even if Eller does earn the bonuses to earn a higher salary, his value for his play is solid. The Senators got solid value for Eller after fourth liner Adam Gaudette signed a two-year contract at $2 million per year with the San Jose Sharks.
Eller has recorded at least 20 points every season since the 2011-12 season. Eller has recorded six 30-point seasons.
Last season, Eller played for two teams. Eller started the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins before being traded to the Washington Capitals early into the season. Overall, Eller recorded 22 points in 80 games played.
For a fourth liner, Eller's salary for his point production is a solid one. Eller was willing to take less money to sign with the Senators this off-season, but can earn bonuses. Even with that said, $1.25 million for a fourth liner who can record over 20 points in a season is solid value.
Eller can also provide veteran leadership at his age to a young Senators roster. The Senators made the 2025 playoffs as a young team, but missed some veteran presence. That is where Eller can impact the Senators strong along with his point production for a fourth liner.