Summary
The Ottawa Senators have officially signed young forward Blake Montgomery to a three-year, entry-level contract. Montgomery, who is 20 years old, recently finished a successful season playing college hockey at the University of Wisconsin. He will join the team’s minor league affiliate, the Belleville Senators, immediately to finish the current season before his main contract begins next year. This move is a key step in bringing more young talent into the Senators' organization.
Main Impact
This signing is a major boost for the Senators' group of young prospects. Currently, the team does not have many young forwards under contract, making Montgomery one of their most important future players. By moving him from college to the professional level now, the Senators can start his development in the American Hockey League (AHL). This allows the coaching staff to see how his skills work against older and more experienced professional players.
Key Details
What Happened
On Wednesday, the Senators confirmed they reached an agreement with Montgomery on a standard three-year deal. While the official contract starts with the 2026-27 season, he is joining the Belleville Senators right away on a short-term amateur tryout. This is a common move for college players who want to start their professional careers as soon as their school season ends. The financial details of the deal were not made public, but these types of contracts usually follow a set pay structure for new players.
Important Numbers and Facts
Montgomery was selected by Ottawa in the fourth round of the 2024 NHL Draft. During his single season at the University of Wisconsin, he played 37 games and scored 9 goals along with 8 assists for a total of 17 points. He was a frequent shooter, averaging two shots on goal per game. He is also one of only three forwards aged 22 or younger that the Senators currently have under a professional contract, highlighting how much the team is counting on him.
Background and Context
Montgomery has taken a very busy path to the professional ranks. In just two seasons, he has played in four different hockey leagues. He started in the United States Hockey League (USHL) before moving to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) to play for the London Knights. A recent change in rules allowed him to move from the OHL to college hockey, where he helped Wisconsin reach the national championship game for the first time in over 15 years. This ability to move between different styles of play shows that he can adapt quickly to new environments. He also comes from a hockey family, as his brother Bryce is a defensive prospect for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Public or Industry Reaction
Hockey analysts view Montgomery as a vital part of Ottawa's future. The Senators have traded away many of their draft picks and young players in recent years to improve their main roster, which has left their minor league system a bit thin. Because of this, Montgomery is now ranked as the team’s top forward prospect by several sports news outlets. While fans are excited about his scoring ability, some experts have pointed out that he needs to work on his defensive play. He finished his college season with a minus-7 rating, which suggests he still has room to grow when playing in his own end of the ice.
What This Means Going Forward
The next few weeks in the AHL will be a learning period for Montgomery. He will turn 21 years old next month and will face a much faster and more physical game than he saw in college. The Senators will be watching closely to see if his offensive production continues at the professional level. If he performs well in Belleville, he could earn a chance to compete for a spot on the NHL roster during training camp next season. His contract keeps him under the team's control until 2029, giving Ottawa several years to help him reach his full potential.
Final Take
Signing Blake Montgomery is a smart and necessary move for the Ottawa Senators. By bringing him into the professional system now, the team is addressing a clear need for young forward depth. His journey through various leagues has prepared him for this moment, and his development will be a major focus for the organization over the next few seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Blake Montgomery?
Blake Montgomery is a 20-year-old left-wing hockey player who was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 2024. He recently played for the University of Wisconsin.
Where will Montgomery play for the rest of this season?
He will play for the Belleville Senators in the American Hockey League (AHL) on a short-term amateur contract.
How long is his new contract with the Senators?
It is a three-year, entry-level contract that officially begins with the 2026-2027 hockey season.
