The Ottawa Senators, who have been busy trading away players during their recent rebuilding phase, kept one of their own on Sunday.
The club and defenceman Chris Phillips have agreed to a three year deal worth approximately $9.25 million. He is making $3.5 million this season.
"There's a lot of factors for wanting to stay, on the ice and off the ice," Phillips told TSN. "As far as the team's concerned, yes we're in a rebuild but I don't think it's going to be a long wait to get back to it. We've got a lot of young guys that have shown a lot of promise, that are going to be exciting to watch the next couple of years. And I still feel pretty young.
"I don't feel like this is my career-ending contract."
The 32-year old defenceman has been one of the hottest names heading towards the trade deadline but will now remain in the Nation's Capital.
"We're pleased to announce the signing of Chris Phillips to a three-year extension," said general manager Bryan Murray. "Both on and off the ice, Chris embodies what we want from a Senators player, and we're proud that he'll remain a Senator for life."
The stay at home defenceman has struggled this season with 5 points and a minus-25 rating.
The deal includes a no movement clause.
