Daoust signs ELC with Senators

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Thursday was a good day for Saint John Sea Dogs forward Philippe Daoust.

Along with being named one of Saint John's assistant captains for the remainder of the season, the overager signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators.

"We've been very pleased with Philippe's progress," said Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion in a news release. "He's a highly skilled forward who displays good offensive instincts and creativity. With Saint John serving as Memorial Cup host this spring, we expect him to play an important role throughout the Sea Dogs' post-season."

The Barrie, ON native was a sixth-round pick of the Senators in the 2020 NHL Draft. He started the season with the club's AHL affiliate in Belleville where he recorded five assists in 15 games.

Daoust is signed‼️#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/6sheIZwl58

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 17, 2022

Since being traded to and joining the Sea Dogs for his final year of junior eligibility, Daoust has 11 goals and 11 assists in 17 games. He'll remain in Saint John for the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign.

There have been several Sea Dogs/Senators connections over the years. Former Dogs to play for the Sens include Mike Hoffman, Chris DiDomenico and Thomas Chabot. Former/current Sea Dogs coach Paul Boutilier was previously a member of the Belleville coaching staff.

The Sens also announced Thursday that Chabot will miss the remainder of the season due to a fractured right hand. Ottawa isn't in a playoff position, sitting 15th overall in the 16-team Eastern Conference.