The Ottawa Senators have dipped into the free agency market in a pretty big way on Thursday as they’ve signed forward Evgenii Dadonov to a three-year contract, as per a official team statement.
Senators GM Pierre Dorion said of the signing:
We’re thrilled to have come to an agreement with Evgenii. He’s an elite offensive talent and a very consistent scorer as demonstrated by his point totals over the last three seasons. This is a key signing for us as it adds a player who will help us produce offensively and one with a proven track record on the power-play.
According to Bruce Garrioch, Dadanov had options. He was initially contacted by 10 teams and Ottawa made his shortlist of three before he ultimately chose them.
Pierre LeBrun notes that the deal also includes a 10-team no-trade clause. Dadonov will earn $3.5 million in 2020-21, $5.0 million in 2021-22 and $6.5 million in 2022-23.
Dadonov had 25 goals and 47 points in 69 regular season games with the Florida Panthers last season. Over 281 games, he has scored 91 goals and 2020 points. He’s had a 0.81 point per game pace over the last three seasons.
He was among the bigger names still out there in free agency and likely because he was looking to ensure he got paid a certain amount per season. The Senators have the room to add his cap hit considering they’re still a considerable ways from needing to worry about fitting in their roster.
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