From 2023-2025 as a member of the San Jose Sharks, Fabian Zetterlund showed the potential he had when he recorded 83 points with 41 of them being goals. Zetterlund's excellent play on a bad team helped teams draw interest in him at the 2025 trade deadline
Just before the 2025 trade deadline ended, the Ottawa Senators traded for Zetterlund. Although he struggled with recording five points in 20 games after the trade, the Senators re-signed Zetterlund to a three-year contract this offseason.
This season, high expectations were on Zetterlund with a full season ahead of him in Ottawa at 26 years old. However, this season has been a deep struggle for Zetterlund so far.
Zetterlund has become a liability six games into the season
Through six games into this season, Zetterlund hasn't been much productive in the Senators lineup with the team having a 2-4-0 overall record. Zetterlund has recorded just one assist with a -3 rating this season, and is struggling to find his confidence.
Zetterlund has shown he's capable of being a goal scorer with recording a 24-goal season in 2023-24 with the Sharks, but the Senators aren't getting much out of the Swede this season as they were hoping to so far.
Zetterlund has recorded 10 shots on goal through six games. Along with little shot production, Zetterlund has averaged under 15 minutes of ice time per game.
After being traded to the Senators last season, Zetterlund recorded four penalty minutes in 20 games. Through six games this season, Zetterlund has six penalty minutes. Zetterlund has taken one penalty in each of the past three games.
Over the past two games, Zetterlund's low production has taken a hit with getting low ice time from head coach Travis Green. Zetterlund hasn't played more than 14 minutes of ice time.
Yesterday in the Senators' 5-4 loss against the New York Islanders, Zetterlund had one of his worst games as a Senator with recording a -2 rating in over 13 minutes of ice time. Zetterlund hasn't found himself yet in the Senators lineup with his struggles.
It may be six games into the season, but if the Senators are going to get out of their slow start, Zetterlund is a player the team will need to get more production out of quickly.
Tuesday night's game against the Edmonton Oilers at Canadian Tire Centre will offer as another chance for Zetterlund to start heating up offensively.