What happened: The Ottawa Senators have agreed to a two-year contract with forward Nick Cousins, keeping the veteran in the fold as free agency opens. The deal carries an average annual value of roughly $1.5875 million. Cousins returns as a depth forward for the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters: Locking up a physical, penalty-drawing bottom-six forward gives Ottawa cost-controlled depth as it builds on its recent push toward playoff contention. Retaining a known role player on a modest cap hit preserves flexibility to address bigger needs elsewhere on the roster.

What to watch: Watch how Cousins slots into Ottawa's forward group and whether the Senators make additional moves as the free-agent market develops.