Nilsson signs two-year contract with Senators

The 29-year-old goalie, who could have been an unrestricted free agent July 1, will make $2.8 million next season and $2.4 million in 2020-21. He was acquired by the Senators in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 2.

"The communication between me and Ottawa has been really good since the season ended," Nilsson told the Senators website. "It was an easy decision actually. I knew pretty early on that I wanted to continue to play in Ottawa."

Nilsson was 14-19-1 with a 2.97 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and two shutouts in 36 games (34 starts) with the Senators and Canucks last season. He went 11-11-0 with a 2.90 GAA and .914 save percentage and two shutouts in 24 games (22 starts) for Ottawa, which finished last in the NHL (29-47-6).

"I'm super excited to continue to play for Ottawa," Nilsson said. "Both me and my family have had a great experience with the city and the organization since we came here so we're excited to be a part of that for at least another two seasons."

Selected by the New York Islanders in the third round (No. 62) of the 2009 NHL Draft, Nilsson is 50-65-13 with a 3.04 GAA, .907 save percentage and six shutouts in 141 games (125 starts) with the Senators, Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers and Islanders. He has never played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"We're very happy to have Anders back for two more seasons," Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said. "He is a competitive, talented veteran who played very well after being acquired last season. In addition, Anders is a great teammate and hard worker, which makes him an excellent fit with our growing team. This signing provides us with stability at the goaltending position, which is very important to our success as our team continues to develop."