Nick Cousins, a 32‑year‑old forward who signed a one‑year, $825,000 contract with the Ottawa Senators before the recent free‑agency window, has turned his second stint in Ottawa into a career‑defining campaign. His presence has been felt on every shift, as he appeared in all but one game and contributed 169 hits and 92 penalty minutes while also adding an assist and 16 hits during the playoff series against Carolina.
The impact of those numbers has not gone unnoticed. General manager Steve Staios has publicly voiced a strong desire to re‑sign Cousins, hinting that a two‑year agreement worth more than $2 million per season is on the table. AFP Analytics, a leading sports‑data firm, projects that Cousins could command a contract that at least doubles his current average annual value, reflecting the leverage he has earned through his physical play and reliability.
What the Deal Means for Ottawa
A multi‑year commitment from the Senators would do more than lock in a key defensive presence; it would signal a broader strategy to blend veteran grit with emerging talent. For Cousins, a stable, long‑term deal would provide the security he has sought after years of journeyman contracts across seven different organizations. The move also aligns with the team’s aim to maintain a tough, penalty‑kill‑focused identity that has become a hallmark of their recent play.