The Senators announced today that they have signed goaltender Brian Elliott to a two-year contract. The financial aspect of the deal was not announced. Update: Elliott will make $800,000 the first year, $900,000 the second (as reported by the Sun)
No surprises here. With Alex Auld traded to Dallas, there was never a question that Ottawa would lock up Elliott. Despite being, as is too often mentioned, the 291st overall pick in the 2003 draft, Elliott has steadily rose to the top of the Senators' prospect pool. He put up stellar numbers in the AHL (a .926 SV% last season), and was very solid after being called up to Ottawa. So solid, in fact, that he made both Martin Gerber and the aforementioned Auld expendable.
It's hard to argue with the deal. Elliott has proven himself to be a very capable netminder, he's still young, and we lock him down for two years, which means GM Brian Murray has one less contract to worry about at the end of next season (as there are already plenty). One scary thought - his contract expires at the same time as Pascal Leclaire's, putting the Sens in an interesting spot. Luckily, Elliott remains an RFA when his contract expires.
Expect Elliott to backup Leclaire to start the 2009-10 campaign.