NHL
*NOTE* This article was written by former TSJ writer, John Lehocki.
Senators Re-Sign Defenseman Chris Wideman To One Year Extension
The Ottawa Senators have re-signed Chris Wideman to a contract extension for the 2018-2019 season. The right-handed defender will be earning $1 million for the season.
Wideman was sidelined with a torn hamstring during the third period on November 16th, 2017 vs the Pittsburgh Penguins. The defender played in only 18 games, scoring three goals and adding five assists.
Wideman underwent surgery on his hamstring on December 4th. All things point to him being ready for the start of training camp.
The 28-year-old also appeared in the Senators’ 2017 playoff run, playing in 15 playoff games. During that stretch, Wideman contributed one goal and three assists. This will be Wideman’s fourth NHL season. All have been with Ottawa.
He has accounted for 38 points in a total of 156 NHL games. After being drafted 100th overall in the 2009 NHL entry draft from Miami University (Ohio), Wideman spent three seasons with the Binghamton Senators. Wideman also won the Eddie Shore Award in 2014-2015 for best defenceman in the AHL.
Wideman is currently coming off a two year deal, averaging $800,000 a season. He will be on the third defensive paring with defensive defenceman Mark Borowiecki. The extension adds a strong level of security on the right side, as the Erik Karlsson rumors are still swirling around the league. The Senators also have defenceman Cody Ceci as a restricted free agent.
Wideman will help be a mentor to up and coming prospects, such as defencemen Julius Bergman and Ville Pokka. The rookies will be attending their first training camps. He should see time on the penalty kill and power play in the regular season.
