Senators could have another contract problem with Thomas Chabot

SenShot writer Nestor Quixtan argues that the Ottawa Senators could face another difficult contract negotiation with team captain Thomas Chabot. Chabot is entering the seventh year of his eight-year, $64 million contract and will become eligible for a contract extension on July 1, 2027. Quixtan suggests the club should address the situation early to prevent complications similar to past contract disputes involving Drake Batherson.

Under current Collective Bargaining Agreement rules, Chabot's maximum extension length is capped at seven years. With the rising NHL salary cap and escalating defenseman salaries across the league, Quixtan proposes that a seven-year, $70 million deal with a $10 million average annual value could serve as a reasonable middle ground for both Chabot and the Senators.