The Ottawa Senators continue to get off-season business done today. Making news, restricted free agent defenceman Tyler Kleven re-signs with the club. This is a great deal for player and club. It’s a two-year deal, with an average annual value of $1.6 million. With Kleven’s emergence as an NHL defenceman, this is great to guide Ottawa in solidifying their defensive alignment for foreseeable future.
Tyler Kleven signs a two-year extension with the #sens carrying a $1.6M AAV.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 2, 2025
RFA Tyler Kleven Signs Contract Extension With Ottawa Senators
Tyler Kleven definitely had a noticeable 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Sens. And really, that was the same for all season long for the 6’5″ defender. Furthermore, Nikolas Matinpalo and he really established themselves as a mobile and physical third pairing for Ottawa. They were a very underrated part of what made Ottawa a playoff team in 2024-25. Matinpalo was already taken care of early in the offseason. He had signed a two-year deal, worth $875K per season. Now, it’s Kleven’s turn.
If we analyze some statistics, Kleven has played 96 career regular season NHL games. He has four goals and 13 points to his credit, while avergaing 14:19 of ice time. Additionall, you can already get the sense of how talented he is by his stats from the six games in the Toronto first-round series. He had two assists, registered 16 hits and eight blocked shots, and bumped his ice time up to 15:47. Simply terrific for a young, 23-year-old defenceman in the NHL. It can be difficult for young defenceman to become reliable in third-line roles. It seems that alone suggests Kleven is ahead of the curve.
What Does this Mean for the Team’s Defence
Kleven’s numbers were flashy, but young, defensive defenceman’s numbers rarely are eye-popping. He played a steady game for Ottawa on their third pairing. He skated 14:28 a night, picking up ten points through 79 games. Moreover, one of his more impressive stats were his 105 hits. This is a great move for general manager Steve Staios and crew. It is a clear sign that Ottawa will make the little moves that successful, playoff teams make. Whether that is in the offseason or as injuries or slumps pop up through the regular season.
Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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