This past March, defenseman Dennis Gilbert was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Ottawa Senators in part of the Dylan Cozens-Josh Norris trade. The Senators are Gilbert's fifth NHL team in his six-year NHL career.
After being traded to the Senators, Gilbert played in just four games and recorded one assist while averaging just over 13 minutes of ice time per game. Gilbert didn't play a game in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Senators against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
This Summer, Gilbert will be an unrestricted free agent at 28 years old. With little playing time for the Senators following the trade, keeping Gilbert might seem unlikely. However, there may be a reason why the Senators could keep Gilbert moving forward.
To have depth on defense would be the reason for Senators to re-sign Gilbert this Summer
Having depth on a roster is important for an NHL team to have in case of injuries, players struggling and more. With that said, keeping Gilbert for defensive depth might be a reason for a new contract.
This past season when Gilbert joined the Sabres, he signed a one-year, $825,000 contract. That could be the same contract Gilbert could sign with the Senators this Summer, or for less money on a one-year deal.
The Senators' defensemen is locked up for years to come. Artem Zub and Nikolas Matinpalo will have their contracts run out in 2027 after Matinpalo recently just signed a two-year extension. Thomas Chabot's contract runs out in 2028. Jake Sanderson's contract runs out in 2032. The only defenseman not locked up for years is Nick Jensen as his contract runs out after next season.
Defenseman Travis Hamonic is an unrestricted free agent this Summer. It could be unlikely Hamonic returns to the Senators due next season to struggles this past season and not playing in the 2025 playoffs.
Just like Hamonic, the same could be said about Gilbert. However, playing in four games might not be enough games for Gilbert to show what he could bring for the Senators defensively. If the Senators do re-sign Gilbert this Summer, he will have something to prove.