The Senators have taken care of one of their remaining restricted free agents, announcing the signing of center Logan Brown to a one-year, two-way deal. The contract pays the league minimum of $750K in the NHL and $100K in the AHL. GM Pierre Dorion released the following statement about the move:
Logan is among the most talented prospects in our organization. He possesses many of the tools that could ultimately help him find success in the NHL. We’re hopeful that a productive summer translates into a good training camp for him here beginning next week.
The 23-year-old has shown flashes of upside since being the 11th-overall pick in 2016 but it hasn’t translated to any consistent success in the NHL. While he has been productive in the minors (including nine points in 13 games in 2020-21), he has just a goal and eight assists in 30 career NHL contests; just one of those NHL appearances came last season. Brown’s camp hasn’t hidden a desire for a trade and Ottawa has made him available but clearly, the right return hasn’t come around yet which has led to this deal.
Brown is eligible for waivers this season which makes the fact that he took less than his $874K qualifying offer a bit interesting. While it guaranteed him a bit more money if he cleared and was sent to the minors but at the league minimum price tag, he will be easier for other teams to fit in should a trade or waiver placement materialize. In the meantime, Brown should get a long look at camp where he’ll battle for a spot at the end of the roster. Knowing the waiver eligibility is there now, he’ll be one to keep an eye on in the preseason.