Ottawa Re-Signs Two Restricted Free Agents

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The Ottawa Senators have signed two restricted free agents, Erik Brannstrom and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Both players will turn 24 this season and have earned their qualifying offers from Senators general manager Pierre Dorion.

Erik Brannstrom, who posted a career-high in goals (two), assists (16), and points (18) in 74 games in the 2022-23 season, earned a one-year deal worth $2 million annually. Brannstrom was acquired by Ottawa via trade when Vegas acquired Mark Stone from Ottawa. Brannstrom will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights when his contract expires.

Erik Brannstrom Stats

Jacob Bernard-Docker has been a valuable depth piece for the Ottawa Senators, Ottawa’s 26th overall pick in the 2018 draft has shown steady development heading into his contract year. Bernard-Docker has not played a full NHL season yet, pushing his arbitration eligibility back a full year. Bernard-Docker earned a two-year deal worth $805,000 annually.

Jacob Bernard-Docker Stats

This helps set up the Ottawa Senators’ defensive depth for years to come. Both Bernard-Docker and Brannstrom are defensemen, and Pierre Dorion has built a strong defense core over the years. Chabot, Chychrun, Zub, Brannstrom, Sanderson, and Bernard-Docker are just some of the names that Dorion has signed. With more moves to come and some decent defensemen available, Pierre Dorion has a ton of flexibility on his hands.


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Conrad Jack

Conrad Jack is a Manitoba based sportswriter covering the Winnipeg Jets (NHL) and the Manitoba Moose (AHL). He also covers the NHL Draft and World Junior Championship for ITR. He writes the Bargain Bin blog which covers NHL News & Rumours.

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