Commitment: Ottawa Senators sign a new defenseman
Matthew Andonovski, a defenseman from the Kitchener Rangers, has inked a new deal with the Ottawa Senators, as announced recently. This three-year, entry-level contract underscores the Senators’ commitment to integrating promising young talent into their roster.
Hailing from Markham, Ontario, the 19-year-old Andonovski has spent the last three seasons honing his skills with the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). His performance in the 2023-2024 season was particularly noteworthy, where he showcased his defensive prowess with seven goals and 25 assists across 65 games. Notably, Andonovski led the entire OHL with an impressive plus-58 rating, underscoring his effectiveness on both ends of the ice. His physical presence was also evident as he topped the Rangers’ penalty minutes tally with 124.
Over his tenure with the Kitchener Rangers, spanning 175 games, Andonovski amassed a total of 52 points, consisting of seven goals and 45 assists, alongside 240 penalty minutes. His consistent development and contributions on the ice caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Ottawa Senators in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL draft, 140th overall.
Steve Staios, the Senators’ president of hockey operations and general manager, expressed confidence in Andonovski’s potential. “Matthew has made significant progress since being drafted last summer,” Staios remarked in a statement. “He’s a big, strong, defensive defenseman who plays with a sizable edge.” This endorsement underscores Andonovski’s playing style, which combines physicality with defensive acumen, traits that are highly valued in the NHL.
The signing of Matthew Andonovski represents a strategic move for the Ottawa Senators as they continue to build and strengthen their roster with promising young talent. His blend of defensive skills, physical presence, and ongoing development trajectory positions him as a valuable asset for the team’s future. As he transitions from the OHL to the NHL, Andonovski will have the opportunity to further refine his game under the guidance of the Senators’ coaching staff and alongside experienced teammates.
Looking ahead, Andonovski’s journey with the Ottawa Senators promises to be an exciting chapter both for him individually and for the team as they strive for success in the competitive landscape of professional hockey. His signing underscores the Senators’ commitment to nurturing young talent and integrating them into the NHL fold, setting the stage for potential contributions on the ice in the seasons to come.