“It’s a big mark of confidence on their part and on my part. It starts well my relationship with the Senators. »
Posted at 5:00 p.m.
Mathieu Joseph has played just 11 games with the Ottawa Senators since acquiring the Tampa Bay Lightning in March. But he showed enough of his skill to land a four-year, $11.8 million contract.
“It’s a great mark of confidence from the organization, from Pierre [Dorion, directeur général]. It’s a great mark of respect too, ”said the 25-year-old striker on Saturday, backstage at the Center d’Excellence Sports Rousseau, where he was taking part in the Kevin Raphael Classic.
“I’ve only played 11 games, but I think I’m a guy who can go up and down the lineup. I can be versatile and help the team win. »
The Quebecer had “a little” talked about the contract with the organization at the end of the season. “They lined up more over two or three years,” he said. I think they saw me in their soup for the next few years. And me too, honestly. I like that, to win, and I think we will be able to win. »
This agreement is the most important of Joseph’s career so far, and by far. He will receive almost 3 million per season, a more than considerable increase compared to his last six campaigns.
“That’s a lot of money for a guy like me who never thought I’d do that much. We go [y] be careful ! he exclaims.
Year of changes
On August 15, 2021, Mathieu Joseph took advantage of his day in Quebec with the Stanley Cup, won with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Seven months later, he left for the first time the team that drafted him in the fourth round, in 2015.
“Of course it’s difficult to leave a team where you win and a good spot like that, but it’s part of the game, he explains about it. At the time, I wasn’t really expecting it. The more time I spent in Ottawa, the more I got used to it. I really don’t mind. I was really happy to join a group of young people like that. »
In 11 games in Ottawa, he tallied 4 goals and 8 assists. He also scored his first hat trick in the National League, the 1er April, in Detroit.
I have the confidence of the coaches, of my players. The guys wanted to come to the arena. It’s motivating, it’s positive. The more positive you are, the more contagious it is in the locker room. I think it was contagious. I loved my time in Ottawa.
Matthew Joseph
Senators general manager Pierre Dorion was active in the offseason. He notably acquired young Chicago Blackhawks forward Alex Debrincat at a low price, in addition to veterans Claude Giroux and Cam Talbot. The reconstruction was suddenly accelerated.
“It’s always good for an organization to have good veterans,” says Joseph. Cam Talbot and Giroux are respected in the League. I didn’t know them, I met Talbot two weeks ago. I think they are good guys who will fit well with our team. Not just in terms of hockey, but also personality. »
“I can’t wait to see what it does,” he adds.