The Ottawa Senators have retained another depth defenseman, signing Patrick Sieloff to a two-year, two-way contract. The deal carries an average annual value of $700K in the NHL, though will pay him considerably less while in the AHL.
Sieloff, 24, was acquired from the Calgary Flames back in 2016 in exchange for Alex Chiasson but has only played one game for the Senators during his time in the organization. Instead, he’s suited up for 110 AHL contests, registering 22 points and over 200 penalty minutes. The second-round pick from 2012 has never been able to live up to his prospect hype, that saw him as a minute-munching defensive option that could engage physically.
Unfortunately, the issues that plagued him as a young player—namely a lack of foot speed and quickness—are still likely the reason for his status as an AHL regular. Though there is still time for him to improve his game and break into the NHL at a later age, it seems more likely that he’ll be an excellent minor league option for the Senators as they continue to try and find success for their Belleville team.