Defencemen deals that could fit Chabot
The Thomas Chabot signing watch could go on for another 12 months, running all the way into next training camp, but at least there’s a couple of new defenceman-contract comparables to consider.
Both Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins and Ivan Provorov of the Philadelphia Flyers ended their restricted free-agent stalemates in the past few days — giving fans an idea of what a future Chabot deal could look like. Or not.
McAvoy ended up signing a three-year contract worth US$14.9 million, including US$7.3 million in 2021-22. What’s interesting is that the contract includes a US$2.5-million signing bonus for this season and US$1 million for next season. McAvoy will also be an RFA again in 2022-23.
The Flyers, on the other hand, bought off some of Provorov’s unrestricted free agent years by inking him to a six-year, US$40.5-million contract. The deal includes US$12 million in signing bonuses.
If Chabot continues his progression into becoming one of the NHL’s elite defencemen, he would no doubt be in line for a much higher salary-cap hit than the US$6.75 million to Provorov when he becomes an RFA next summer. Chabot could even be in the US$9 million-to-US$10 million ballpark on an extended deal.
However, the bigger issue may be the matter of the signing bonuses, an area where the Senators haven’t been willing to go in recent years.
SIZING UP BATHERSON: It’s safe to say Drake Batherson is growing into the NHL. After adding an inch and 16 pounds in the summer and now standing 6-foot-3 and 2016 pounds, he joked, “I’m probably in a 17-year-old body, but I’m 21.” Batherson, currently auditioning for a second line/third line role, playing with Jean- Gabriel Pageau and Anthony Duclair, was 5-foot-5 and 145 pounds when he was drafted into the QMJHL as a 16-year-old.
NILSSON UP FIRST?: The rosters have yet to be posted, but it appears likely that Anders Nilsson will start in goal for the Senators in Tuesday’s pre-season opener against Toronto in St. John’s, N.L. Craig Anderson will start in the Wednesday rematch at Canadian Tire Centre.
Senators coach D.J. Smith says he’s leaving the netminding decisions in the hands of goaltending coach Pierre Groulx, but the expectation is both Nilsson and Anderson will each play two periods.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Francois Beauchemin, Michael Brodzinski, Jack Dougherty, Christopher Clapperton and Nathan Todd were assigned to training camp with Belleville of the AHL late Sunday. Adam Capannelli, Maxim Trepanier and Conner McDonald were also released by the Senators.
THE RODEWALD AHEAD: Jack Rodewald knows better than to read too much into training camp lines, but he says being placed on a unit with Chris Tierney and Rudolfs Balcers gives him some confidence. Rodewald, who rather quietly scored 23 goals and 24 assists for Belleville last season — second in points behind Batherson — is battling for a fourth line spot. … Neither Filip Chlapik nor Mikkel Boedker will be available for Tuesday’s game because of injuries. Both are expected to be back skating in the next few days. kwarren@postmedia.com twitter.com/Citizenkwarren