Since he first began his NHL career in the 2020-21 season, Artem Zub has turned into an Ottawa Senators fan favorite. The chants of "Zuuuuuub" have been a common thing for the Russian defenseman.
Zub has always been known for his defensive play. From blocking shots, to delivering hits, to killing penalties and doing more dirty work defensively. Offense hasn't been an area that Zub has been relied on by the Senators. However, that is changing this season in a big way.
Zub has turned into an underappreciated offensive threat for Ottawa this season
Through 12 games this season, Zub has recorded eight points. Last season, Zub recorded just 13 points in 56 games. In a current stat that might sound stunning to some, Zub is tied with Claude Giroux for the sixth most points on the Senators roster. Zub also has the second most points on the Senators roster among defensemen only behind Jake Sanderson.
Zub surely has turned his game around for the better offensively this season. Zub began the season off strong with scoring a goal in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and recording a three-point game. Last night against the Calgary Flames, Zub scored a pivotal goal in the third period to tie the game, which led to a 4-3 Senators win.
Zub scored two goals all of last season, and he has matched that number already in October. Over the past five games combined, Zub has recorded five points. One of the games from Zub was a two-assist game.
An area that the Senators have put confidence into Zub is shooting the puck from the blueline to set up deflection shots for the forwards. Against the Washington Capitals on this past Saturday, Zub delivered a perfect pass for Dylan Cozens to tip in a goal.
Zub's best offensive season was when he recorded 25 points in the 2023-24 season. With the pace he's going at, Zub has a solid chance to record the best offensive season in his career. Tomorrow night's game against the Montreal Canadiens offers as another chance for Zub to continue his hot offensive start.