Senators sign defenceman Tyler Kleven to two-year contract extension

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators have signed defenceman Tyler Kleven to a two-year contract extension, the NHL club announced Monday.

The deal carries an average annual value of US$1.6 million through the 2026-27 season.

The 23-year-old Kleven, who was a pending restricted free agent, appeared in a career-high 79 regular-season games in 2024-25.

He scored four goals, including his first career NHL goal on Nov. 27 in San Jose, and added six assists.

Kleven averaged 15:47 of ice time and had two assists over six games in Ottawa’s first-round playoff loss to Toronto.

The Senators selected Kleven, from Fargo, N.D., in the second round, 44th overall, at the 2020 NHL draft.

Kleven signed his entry-level contract with Ottawa on March 23, 2023, after completing his collegiate career with the University of North Dakota.

“Tyler continued to elevate his game in his first NHL season, which was a good sign,” Senators general manager Steve Staios said in a release. “We expect his game will continue to develop.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025.