Ottawa Senators sign Oskar Pettersson to three-year, entry-level contract

The Ottawa Senators have signed 2022 NHL Draft pick Oskar Pettersson to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The club selected the right winger with the 72nd pick in 2022 after spending the season with Rogle’s U-20 team in Sweden. He had 25 goals and 36 points in 46 games in 2021-22 to go along with another five points in six games at the U-18 World Hockey Championship.

Pettersson returned to the U-20 ranks this year, scoring 23 goals and 33 points in 24 games. He also skated in his first pro hockey action, scoring a goal and adding an assist in 29 games with Rogle’s SHL squad. He often played limited minutes, which resulted in a lack of offense. Internationally, Pettersson was one of Sweden’s better players, posting four points at the world juniors and 18 points in 17 games overall with the U-20 national team.

A high-volume shooter, Pettersson has an excellent shot and strong offensive instincts. His defensive game is still a work in progress, but the Senators must like what they’ve seen in his development over the past year.

“Oskar has quickly become one of the organization’s top prospects,” Senators GM Pierre Dorion said in a team statement. “He had a strong first pro season and showcases a similar maturity level to players who are much older than he. A north/south winger who has demonstrated that he’s capable of playing in all situations, he routinely utilizes his speed to effectively cycle the puck. He’s a smart player with good habits; his work ethic alone is certain to be of considerable value to him as he strives to take the next step.”

Pettersson is the third signing for Ottawa this offseason after inking forward Jiri Smejkal and defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo to deals in May. Pettersson will join the Senators for development camp this summer before re-joining Rogle for 2023-24.