With forward Colin White recently inked to a new six-year deal, Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion has turned his attention to another key piece of the team's young core; defenseman Thomas Chabot. According to an article by Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, talks have been taking place throughout the summer and seem to be moving in the right direction. However, Dorion isn't willing to say much else about it.
“In the case of Colin White we were able to keep everything very confidential and we were able to get a contract done,” Dorion told Garrioch. “We don't think talking publicly about any contract negotiations, whether it's Chabot or any pending UFA, does us any good. But we understand the importance of our young core and having them in Ottawa as long as possible.”
Chabot, 22, still has one year left on his entry-level contract before he becomes a restricted free agent. It's fair to say he's Ottawa's best prospect at the moment, scoring 14 goals and 55 points last season from the blueline. Getting him to sign a new deal is quite likely Dorion's top priority over the next year. As for whether he believes he can get it done, Dorion is again staying tight-lipped.
“We're going to keep it quiet, we've had discussions and I don't think I should say anymore,” Dorion said.
Source: Ottawa Sun
