NHL free agency rumors: Anthony Duclair will stay with Senators on new contract

Matt Hornick

NHL free agency rumors: Anthony Duclair will stay with Senators on new contract image

Anthony Duclair will be lucky enough to avoid free agency, as he and the Senators have agreed to a new contract. The fifth-year winger signed a one-year deal with Ottawa on Monday worth $1.65 million.

Duclair joined the Senators on Feb. 23 in the trade for Ryan Dzingel with the Blue Jackets. Duclair posted 14 points (8-6–14) in 21 games with Ottawa and surpassed 30 points for the second time in his career.

Erik Karlsson free agency rumors:
Sharks sign All-Star defenseman to 8-year max deal

The Senators seem to have a plan for the Pointe-Claire, QC, native.

"DJ (Smith) wants to work on Duclair becoming a more complete player," general manager Pierre Dorion said.

Duclair, who turns 24 just before the start of next season, is on his fifth team since getting drafted in 2013. Should he pan out the way Ottawa wants, he could be in store of a longer-term deal this time next year.

Matt Hornick