Christian Jaros signed to entry-level contract

The Ottawa Senators announced today that they’ve signed defenseman Christian Jaros to an entry-level contract. Jaros, a 5th round pick from the Senators in 2015, has been playing for Luleå in the SHL for the last three seasons.

At 21 years old, Jaros’ style of play can be described as primarily defensive, while being able to bruise his opponents. You may have seen his massive hit from earlier this season, which personally I’ve watched at least a dozen times. He’s physically mature, measuring in at 6’3” and 191 lbs.

He reached a new high this year in goals (5), assists (8) and points (13), while also cutting down for a new low in penalty minutes (22). Using Rob Vollman’s translation factors in points-per-game, that roughly equate to 17 points in 82 NHL games.

Jaros, a fan favourite back in Sweden, had signed a three-year extension with Luleå back in December 2016, although he presumably had an NHL-out clause that would’ve allowed him to sign with the Senators. His ELC with Ottawa will last three years, carrying a cap hit of $755,000.

It was also reported in December that Jaros would not come to North America unless he gets a roster spot in the NHL. The rules are unclear, although he may be ineligible to play in the AHL next year, since he’s under 22 and still has a contract in Sweden. The situation will become a lot clearer as training camp approaches.

Either way, it’s fantastic news that Dorion has him locked in for the next three years. He’s a fantastic player, and should be competing for that main roster spot in September, especially if one of Cody Ceci or Chris Wideman gets claimed in expansion.