Adedokun Waliyu 
The Ottawa Senators signed a couple of stay-at-home defencemen Saturday.
Erik Brannstrom served notice to the Senators he can play in the NHL last season.
Saturday, he was rewarded for it.
The Senators kicked off Canada Day by keeping one of their own in the fold by signing the 23-year-old restricted free agent defenceman to a one-year, $2 million (all figures U.S.) contract extension.
took a big step forward last season,” said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion in a statement. “Over the year’s second half of games especially, he demonstrated a strong ability to raise his game to the level where he’s using his confidence as an asset.
“We’re happy to have him under contract for another year.”
Brannstrom finished with 16 points in 74 games last season. Brought to the Senators as part of the deal that sent Mark Stone to Vegas Golden Knights in Feb. 2019, Brannstrom was solid in the club’s third pairing.
He wasn’t the only one signed, either.
The Senators also agreed to terms with Jacob Bernard-Docker on a two-year, $1.61 million one-way contract that has an average annual value of $805,000. The first year of the deal he’ll make $785,000 while the second is worth $825,000.
Bernard-Docker is expected to push for a spot in the club’s third pairing this season and has shown improvement since being drafted in 2018. He suited up for 34 games last season.
“Jacob plays a simple and responsible puck-moving game” said Dorion. “He’s readily proved himself to be a reliable defender by playing on the penalty kill and in key matchup roles. We’ve been pleased to see him gradually improve throughout his time with the organization.”
