Zub signs one-year, entry-level contract with Senators

Artem Zub signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators on Friday.

The 24-year-old defenseman had career highs with 13 goals, nine assists and 22 points in 57 games with SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League this season, and he tied for the league lead with a plus-35 rating.

Zub led SKA St. Petersburg defensemen in goals and points, and was tied for second among KHL defensemen in goals.

"We're pleased that Artem has elected to pursue an NHL career here in Ottawa," Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said. "Artem is a smart defensive defenseman who moves the puck well and who utilizes his strength and mobility to make plays. His extensive international resume will help him transition to a North American style of play, but his key attribute is his sound ability to defend."

Zub won a gold medal with the Olympic Athletes from Russia at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and helped Russia to a third-place finish at the 2017 and 2019 IIHF World Championships.

Zub scored 54 points (19 goals, 35 points) in 256 KHL games through six seasons with SKA St. Petersburg and Amur Khabarovsk, and he scored 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) in 52 KHL playoff games.