Getting to Know Newest Ottawa Senator Fabian Zetterlund

By now you’ve likely heard about the other big trade made by Steve Staios and the Ottawa Senators today. They sent Zack Ostapchuk, Noah Gregor and a 2nd round pick to the San Jose Sharks for Fabian Zetterlund, prospect Trisen Robins and a fourth round pick. Losing Ostapchuk will hurt the most, as he had a maturity to his game that worked well with his size and work ethic. The Senators are looking to compete now, though, and it was clear that Ostapchuk’s offensive game needed some work. That’s where Zetterlund comes in. Let’s dive into the details on the newest Ottawa Senator, Fabian Zetterlund.

READ MORE: Ottawa Senators Trade Analysis: Norris Out, Cozens In

Zetterlund by the Numbers

Zetterlund is a 25 year old, 5’11”, 220 lb right shot winger that likes to play on the left side. Here are his stats this season:

• 64 games, 17 goals, 36 points, 16:59 time on ice per game, 115 hits

Last season was a breakout season for Zetterlund, scoring 24 goals and 44 points in 82 games. This season, he’s received just under 2 minutes per game on the power play but hasn’t been asked to kill penalties. At even strength this season, he mainly played with Mikael Granlund and William Eklund, with some time spent with Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini as well. One more impressive stat: He’s a +8 on the worst team in hockey, where some guys on the other end of the scale are in the -20s and -30s.

His contract is set to expire at the end of the year, but he is still going to be a restricted free agent. Judging by the comments on the San Jose Hockey Now page, the fans aren’t very happy. Mainly, they’re surprised that the Sharks wouldn’t have tried to keep him around as part of the solution going forward. When I came up with forward trade targets for the Ottawa Senators to pursue in the lead-up to the deadline, he didn’t make my list because I didn’t think he was going anywhere.

Zetterlund’s Role with the Senators

There’s no reason that Zetterlund can’t slide into the number two left wing spot on the Senators behind Brady Tkachuk. I’d expect him to get some power play time on the second unit. There’s no need for him to change his game. He likes to shoot the puck, he’s a physical player, and he skates well. These last 21 games will then give the Senators an idea of how he fits, and what type of contract to offer him as a restricted free agent. At just 25 years old and seemingly still improving, he has a chance to be a Senators for a lot longer than just the end of this season.

Additional Notes

As far as the prospect coming back in this deal, Tristen Robins hasn’t progressed at the AHL level. He was a 2nd round pick in 2020, but he’s struggled to produce the last few seasons. This season he’s scored 7 goals and 18 points in 41 games. Noah Gregor leaves the Senators after 40 games where he scored 4 goals and 6 points. He played with speed but he was very quiet more often than not. One other Zetterlund note that should help the Senators- He had 13 goals and 30 points at even strength this season. The only Ottawa Senators with more goals or points at even strength than him this season? Tim Stützle, with 17 goals and 38 points.