Artem Zub has become a critical component in the Ottawa Senators' defensive structure, and his impact is increasingly evident as the team strives for consistency and a playoff berth. While not always flashy, Zub's steady presence and defensive acumen provide a stabilizing force, allowing his teammates to take more risks and contribute offensively.
Zub's value to the Senators is multifaceted. He is primarily a stay-at-home defenseman, tasked with shutting down the opposition's top players. This allows more offensively inclined defensemen like Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot to focus on generating offense, knowing that Zub is reliably holding down the fort. When Zub is out of the lineup, the Senators' defensive play noticeably suffers, highlighting his importance to the team's overall structure.
The 2024-2025 season has underscored Zub's importance. The Senators' defensive numbers have improved significantly, and while the acquisition of a Vezina-caliber goaltender Linus Ullmark has certainly played a role, Zub's consistent play in front of him cannot be overlooked. Since October 29th, the Senators have allowed just 2.54 goals per game, a significant improvement compared to previous seasons. The pairing of Sanderson and Zub has been particularly effective, providing a solid foundation for the team's defense.
Several factors contribute to Zub's effectiveness. His positioning and hockey sense are excellent, allowing him to anticipate plays and break up scoring chances. He is also a strong skater with good size (6'3", 200 lbs), making him difficult to play against in the defensive zone. While not known for his offensive contributions, Zub makes smart, simple plays with the puck, minimizing turnovers and keeping the puck moving in the right direction. In the 2024-2025 season, Zub has tallied 2 goals and 12 assists in 62 games. Overall in his NHL career, spanning 5 seasons with the Senators, Zub has accumulated 19 goals and 65 assists in 306 games, with a plus-minus of +15.
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 season, the Senators' defensive outlook appears promising. With young players like Tyler Kleven and Nikolas Matinpalo gaining experience and the addition of Jordan Spence, the team's defensive depth is improving. The continued presence of Zub will be crucial in mentoring these younger players and maintaining a high level of defensive play. While some adjustments to defensive pairings may occur, the core of Sanderson and Zub is expected to remain a key component of the Senators' blue line.
The Senators' management recognizes Zub's importance. His contract reflects his value to the team, and he is viewed as a key piece of the team's long-term success. Although he is not the flashiest player, Zub's reliability, defensive prowess, and ability to complement his teammates make him an indispensable part of the Ottawa Senators. As the Senators continue to build towards becoming a true contender, Artem Zub will undoubtedly be a driving force in their defensive turnaround.
