The Ottawa Senators have locked in forward Fabian Zetterlund for the foreseeable future, announcing a three-year contract extension worth $12.825 million. The deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $4.275 million, will keep the 25-year-old Swede in Ottawa through the 2027-28 season.
Zetterlund, who was acquired by the Senators from the San Jose Sharks on March 7, 2025, quickly became a valuable asset to the team. In 20 regular season games with Ottawa, he contributed two goals and three assists. While he was held pointless in the six-game playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, his overall play and potential clearly impressed the Senators' management.
"We were pleased to acquire Fabian at the deadline last season and very happy to extend him for three more years," said Senators President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Steve Staios. "He brings commitment and work ethic with a scoring touch to our group."
Prior to joining the Senators, Zetterlund had a solid season with the Sharks, notching 17 goals and 19 assists in 64 games. His combined regular season stats for the 2024-25 season totaled 19 goals and 41 points in 84 games. Notably, he achieved a career-high 24 goals and 44 points with the Sharks in the 2023-24 season, showcasing his offensive capabilities.
With this contract extension, Zetterlund is set to become the fifth-highest-paid forward on the Senators' roster for the 2025-26 season. He will be behind Tim Stutzle ($8.35 million), Brady Tkachuk ($8.2 million), Dylan Cozens ($7.1 million), and Drake Batherson ($4.975 million).
The signing of Zetterlund addresses an important piece of offseason business for the Senators, solidifying their forward group. This extension leaves the club with approximately $10 million in cap space, according to reports. It remains to be seen if the Senators will now focus on contract discussions with veteran winger Claude Giroux.
Zetterlund's acquisition from the Sharks also involved Tristen Robins and a 2025 fifth-round pick going to Ottawa, while Noah Gregor, Zack Ostapchuk, and a 2025 second-round pick went to San Jose.
This marks the second restricted free agent signing by the Senators this offseason, following Tyler Kleven's two-year contract extension earlier in June. Kleven's deal is worth $1.6 million per year.
