Zub Quietly Becoming One of Ottawa's Most Dependable Defenders
Ottawa Senators fans who have been paying close attention know what NHL.com is now putting in writing: Artem Zub is dialled in.
The 28-year-old Russian defenceman has quietly established himself as one of the steadiest presences on Ottawa's blue line, and his recent play has drawn league-wide recognition from NHL.com, which highlighted just how locked-in Zub has looked through this stretch of the season.
The Unsung Anchor of Ottawa's Defence
Zub isn't the flashiest name on the Senators' roster — that's never really been his game. What he brings is composure. Whether he's breaking up a rush in his own end, making a smart first pass to trigger Ottawa's transition game, or logging heavy minutes against opposing top lines, Zub does the hard, unglamorous work that winning hockey teams depend on.
His ability to read plays before they develop and eliminate zone entries has made him an invaluable partner on Ottawa's defensive pairings. Coaches and teammates often speak about the kind of calm he brings to the blue line — the type of presence that doesn't always show up on a scoresheet but absolutely shows up in the standings.
A Senators Core Piece Finding His Best Form
For a young Ottawa team with legitimate playoff aspirations, Zub stepping up couldn't come at a better time. The Senators have invested heavily in building a roster capable of competing in the Eastern Conference, and a defenceman playing his best hockey in the stretch run is exactly the kind of internal development that makes a contender.
Zub signed a long-term extension with Ottawa, signalling the organization's belief in him as a core piece of the franchise's future. That faith is looking well-placed right now.
Why Senators Fans Should Be Excited
It's easy to focus on the offensive firepower Ottawa has assembled — the Senators have plenty of it. But deep playoff runs are built on defence, and Zub quietly anchoring that group is one of the under-the-radar reasons to feel good about where this team is headed.
When NHL.com's national writers are calling you out by name for being dialled in, you're doing something right. For Ottawa fans, watching Zub thrive is one of the quiet pleasures of following this team — a player who came in without massive fanfare and has simply gotten better every year.
Keep an eye on number 2 at Canadian Tire Centre. He's making a strong case for being one of the most underrated defencemen in the league right now — and Ottawa should be glad he's theirs.
Source: NHL.com via Google News Ottawa
