Senators’ Artem Zub will return to lineup vs. Coyotes
Ottawa Senators head coach Jacques Martin confirmed to reporters that defenseman Artem Zub will return to the lineup on Friday against the Arizona Coyotes.
Jacques Martin confirms Zub will return tonight.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) March 1, 2024
The 28-year-old Zub hasn’t played since Feb. 22.
“It’s a good addition. Helps settle our defence,” Martin said.
Through 44 games this season, Zub has three goals and 17 assists for 20 points while averaging 20:51 of ice time. Now in his fourth NHL season, he’s scored 15 goals and 51 assists for 66 points, averaging 20:16 of ice time in 225 career games.
In December 2022, Zub signed a four-year extension with the Senators worth $18.4 million, giving him a cap hit of $4.6 million. This season is the first year that the deal kicks in.
The Russian defender has been a reliable two-way player for a team that’s underperformed and played well below expectations. Going into Friday night, the Senators are 25-29-3 with 53 points, last in the Atlantic Division and second-last in the entire Eastern Conference.
After Friday’s game, the Senators fly to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers on Saturday night, then travel to California for a three-game road trip against the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.