What happened: The Ottawa Senators signed restricted free agent Xavier Bourgault to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. The agreement ensures the 23-year-old forward will bypass his scheduled arbitration hearing later this month.

Why it matters: Bourgault enters his third season in the organization aiming to translate his recent minor-league production into a full-time NHL role. The former Edmonton Oilers prospect built momentum last season after overcoming earlier injury setbacks. The new contract provides a direct window for the forward to establish himself on the active roster.

What to watch: Bourgault will report to training camp in September to compete for a spot in Ottawa. If assigned to the minors, he is considered a strong candidate for the Belleville captaincy.