The Ottawa Senators and forward Xavier Bourgault agreed on a one-year deal on Thursday, marking the summer’s first arbitration settlement. The deal is a two-way contract, with an $850K value at the NHL and $265K at the AHL level, PuckPedia reported.
On the surface, this might not seem like an earth-shattering development for the Senators. But it could have lingering consequences down the line. For one thing, arbitration hearings can get testy. The organization, on the one hand, has to argue why the player is worth less than what his side is asking for. On the other, the player’s camp must argue why he’s worth more than what the organization thinks.
In short, the hearings can breed bad blood between player and team. And that may lead to a fractured relationship down the line.
I’m not saying that was the case here, of course. We are not privy to the precise details of the negotiation. If anything, the $850K settlement is likely somewhere in between what the player wanted and what the organization offered.
But it wouldn’t be surprising if there might be a tense relationship between Bourgault and the Senators. That situation may lead the team to explore trading him at some point this season.
Unless the 23-year-old can have a monster season at the NHL level, next summer may see another contract stalemate.
Bourgault had a solid season with the Belleville Senators in 2025-26. He scored 25 goals and 57 points in 70 games. But only suited up for two games at the NHL level, failing to register a point. And that’s likely where the contention lies.
Senators and Bourgault might see things differently
The stalemate likely stems from Bourgault’s production at the AHL level. His solid season is what potentially spurred his camp to have a higher asking price. Meanwhile, Bourgault’s lack of NHL experience is what motivated the Senators to talk down the price.
In the end, it’s likely the arbitrator figured that the Senators were right in not wanting to pay more just for AHL production.
The settlement, nonetheless, highlights that there could be some potential there. If Bourgault can earn a spot on the team, the conversation could be completely different. But that’s a major if at this point. There’s no guarantee that Bourgault will even make the team.
Ultimately, the situation seems destined for a separation at some point. Unless the former first-rounder from 2021 and the Senators are fine with the decision, it may be a matter of time before the Senators find a new home for the Quebec native.
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