A new report about Thomas Chabot’s contract future has sparked plenty of discussion, but Ottawa Senators fans aren’t buying it.
The debate began after NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period suggested there is concern within the organization about what Chabot could ask for on his next contract. However, many fans believe the report is premature and lacks credibility.
Fans Shut Down Chabot Speculation
Pagnotta pointed directly to Bowen Byram’s massive new extension with the Chicago Blackhawks, a staggering six-year, $75 million deal ($12.5 million AAV), as the new benchmark that could inflate Chabot’s eventual ask.
“I’ve talked to some people around the Sens…there’s a little bit of concern where Thomas Chabot’s next ask is gonna be, especially with Bowen Byram’s deal in Chicago pulling in 12.5 million over six years,” Pagnotta said.
The report, however, was quickly met with skepticism from the Ottawa fan base.
Chabot still has two full seasons remaining on his current eight-year, $64 million contract and cannot become an unrestricted free agent until July 2028. With so much time left before negotiations even begin, fans see little reason for the organization to be worried now.
Also, comparing Chabot’s situation to Byram’s isn’t realistic. Byram signed his new deal at 25 years old after Chicago paid a significant price to acquire him, while Chabot will be 31 when his next contract starts. As a result, many fans believe the two situations are completely different.
Reacting to Pagnotta’s comments, the response from Senators fans and media personalities was swift, with many openly questioning the credibility of the report.
NHL analyst Jammy dismissed the report entirely, writing, “Nobody in Ottawa talks to you.”
The SensCentral channel also mocked the insider’s claim, posting, “Pag-notta chance this guy’s still trying to be a Sens insider lol.” Derek Lee took an even harsher approach, joking, “The voices in my head are more reliable than this guy’s sources.”
Analyst Danny McCloskey sarcastically flipped the report on its head, saying, “Based on Pagnotta’s track record, sounds like the Sens will have no problem whatsoever re-signing Chabot.”
Meanwhile, The Sens Guy summed up the mood among many fans, posting, “Someone please take Pagnotta’s credentials away.”
Overall, the reaction made one thing clear: much of the Ottawa fan base isn’t concerned about Chabot’s next contract and remains unconvinced by the latest report.
While the NHL’s rising salary cap is expected to drive up future contracts across the league, they believe general manager Steve Staios has plenty of time before Chabot’s next deal becomes a priority.
