Ottawa Senators sign forward Connor Brown to three-year contract

The Ottawa Senators announced on Thursday that they've signed forward Connor Brown to a three-year contract and confirmed that the 26-year-old will earn $2.8 million in 2020-21, $4 million in 2021-22, and $4 million in 2022-23. 

Ottawa acquired Brown from the Toronto Maple Leafs via a July 2019 trade that involved the Senators sending defenseman Cody Ceci to Toronto, and Brown responded by posting a career season in his first year with his new club. He tallied 16 goals and personal bests in assists (27), points (43), ice time (20:07 per game), power-play goals (3) and shots on goal (173) across 71 contests before the NHL halted play due to the coronavirus pandemic on March 12. 

The Senators didn't qualify to participate in the summer NHL restart. 

"We're very happy to have Connor back under contract," Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said for the team's prepared statement. 

"He brings a veteran presence to our lineup and is a player who can play in different situations. He's durable, has a strong work ethic with great practice habits, and is regarded as a leader by his teammates. His ability to play up and down the lineup while producing offensively is especially valuable to us as we continue our transition towards being a consistent winner."

Brown finished second on the team in assists and points. According to the club's website, he hasn't missed a game he was eligible to play in since he made his NHL debut in March 2016.