The Ottawa Senators have officially inked defenceman Donovan Sebrango to a one-year, two-way contract. For the 23-year-old Ottawa native, it`s more than just another signature on a dotted line; it`s a reaffirmation of a journey that`s seen him go from a promising draft pick to making his NHL debut for his hometown team.
From Motor City Prospect to Capital City Blue Liner
Sebrango`s professional hockey path began not in the nation`s capital, but in the heart of the “Motor City.” Drafted 63rd overall in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Sebrango spent his initial professional years developing within their system. A defenceman known for his defensive reliability and burgeoning offensive instincts, he was a key piece in the AHL`s Grand Rapids Griffins. However, the winds of change brought him home in July 2023, as part of the significant trade that sent star winger Alex DeBrincat to Detroit. Sometimes, the hockey gods simply conspire to bring a player back to where they belong, even if it`s via a multi-player transaction.
The Taste of the Show and AHL Grinds
Last season provided Sebrango with a significant milestone: his NHL debut. While it was a brief two-game stint with the Senators, it offered an invaluable taste of the big league. It`s enough to whet the appetite, yet clearly leaves a hunger for more substantial time at the sport`s highest level. More extensively, he honed his craft with the AHL`s Belleville Senators, suiting up for 50 games. There, he demonstrated his two-way capabilities, contributing eight goals and 12 assists from the blue line – a solid performance for a young defenceman finding his professional stride and working towards his ultimate goal.
The Nuance of a “Two-Way” Contract
A “one-year, two-way contract” is common for developing players, and in the often-unromantic business of professional sports, it signifies both opportunity and the continued grind. Essentially, it means Sebrango will earn a different salary depending on whether he`s playing in the NHL or the AHL. It`s the hockey equivalent of having one foot in the penthouse and the other firmly planted in the minor league bus, constantly striving for that permanent upgrade. For Sebrango, it`s a testament to the organization`s belief in his potential, while simultaneously challenging him to earn a full-time NHL roster spot through consistent performance.
What`s Next for the Hometown Hopeful?
With this re-signing, Sebrango enters a crucial phase of his career. At 23, he`s past the initial “prospect” phase and is on the cusp of becoming an NHL regular. The Senators` defensive corps is ever-evolving, and Sebrango will undoubtedly compete fiercely for a spot on the main roster during training camp. Even if he starts the season in Belleville, this contract ensures he remains a vital piece of the organization`s depth, ready to be called upon when injuries strike or performance dictates a change. His journey embodies the persistent dream of every young hockey player: to not just play in the NHL, but to do it for the team they grew up cheering for.
For Donovan Sebrango, the goal is clear: solidify his place in the NHL, ideally right here in Ottawa. And for fans, there’s always an extra cheer reserved for one of their own as they watch his journey unfold.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow