When Adam Gaudette signed with the Ottawa Senators this past July, he needed to save his hockey career. Gaudette signed a one-year, $775,000 contract to join the Senators for a second stint.
Gaudette only played in two games for the St. Louis Blues in the 2023-24 season. Prior to his two games with the Blues last season, Gaudette had not played in the NHL since the 2021-22 season. With not much playing time in the NHL since 2022, Gaudette needed to prove his doubters wrong for this season.
On Oct. 25, Gaudette scored his first goals of the season when he scored twice against the Vegas Golden Knights. It was Gaudette's first two-goal game since November 2019. However, the impact Gaudette would have on the Senators following the Golden Knights game would be unexpected and incredible to watch.
Gaudette's 13 goals is now a personal best
Despite the Senators losing 4-2 yesterday to the New York Islanders, Gaudette set a new record for himself. When Gaudette scored the opening goal of the game, it was Gaudette's 13th goal of the season. Gaudette set a new career-high in goals for a single season.
Gaudette's previous best for a single season was 12 goals in the 2019-20 season when he was a member of the Vancouver Canucks. Following the 2019-20 season, Gaudette had only scored 10 goals in 100 games prior to the start of this season. Gaudette's 13 goals is now tied for the most goals on the Senators along with Brady Tkachuk.
"He's having a good year," said head Travis Green about Gaudette in his postgame interview following the loss to the Islanders.
Gaudette's offensive impact has been quite impressive. In three games this season, Gaudette scored two goals in the game. Gaudette scored in four of the last five games to finish November. In those five games, Gaudette scored five goals combined.
Over the past two games, Gaudette has recorded points in back-to-back games. Although Gaudette only has two assists this season, he's made it up big with his goal scoring.
"It definitely feels good," Gaudette said following the loss to the Islanders. "But, I'm never satisfied. I never want to stop here. I want to keep going and help this team win."
Gaudette and the Senators will return to action when they host the Anaheim Ducks at 7:30 p.m. ET.