Donovan Sebrango signs for one year with the Ottawa Senators in the 2025-26 season

The Senators have been able to lock in a local defenseman, Donovan Sebrango, for yet another season, accepting his signing to a two-way, one-year contract ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

At 23, Sebrango comes to this critical juncture in his career where he would like to affirm his place in the NHL. Now, after making his NHL debut with Ottawa last year and spending a lot more time in the developmental league with Belleville, he is the candidate to really earn recognition as a dependable option on the blue line.

Donovan Sebrango's development from junior to the NHL

Donovan Sebrango's hockey story has been one of steady progression. Originally drafted by Detroit in the third round in 2020, he was acquired by Ottawa in a trade in 2023.

He grew up in Ottawa, and with that foundation, he developed at the Canadian International Hockey Academy before heading off to the Ontario Hockey League, where he set foot for two seasons with the Kitchener Rangers.

Following his upward trajectory came the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, when Sebrango represented Canada on the world stage. That experience against the world’s best young talent underlined his capacity to compete under immense pressure and further prepared him for professional play.

Now itching to make a long-lasting mark at the NHL level in his hometown jersey, Sebrango hopes to convert this experience into success.

Donovan Sebrango's breakout year for the Belleville Senators

Whilst Sebrango appeared in two games at the NHL level last year, his real major impact came with the Belleville Senators in the American Hockey League. Playing over 50 games, he scored 8 goals and had 20 points, ranking among the top-scoring defensemen on the roster. His offensive instincts, coupled with a defensive game that is fairly measured, justify Ottawa’s thinking that he still has development potential.Looking forward, then, the 2025-26 season may well prove pivotal. With a chance to earn more NHL minutes, Sebrango has the local roots, work ethic, and maturing skills to be a regular contributor in Ottawa.Also Read: Connor McDavid contract talks take shape after Leon Draisaitl’s record-breaking dealDonovan Sebrango never thought this contract would be much of a deal; all he hoped for was an opportunity. Both for the player and the Senators, this season could very well be the deciding factor in shaping his future as a full-time NHL defenseman.