The Ottawa Senators announced today that they have signed their 2016 5th round pick Maxime Lajoie to a three-year entry-level contract.

News Release: #Sens sign defenceman Maxime Lajoie to entry-level contract: https://t.co/xw32MqphbI — Sens communications (@Media_Sens) October 3, 2016

Lajoie had a strong rookie camp, rookie tournament and training camp with the Senators, showing he was more than capable of keeping up with NHL talent. His smooth skating, awareness in his own zone and confidence with the puck was noticed in the little preseason action we witnessed.

The 18-year-old returned to the Swift Current Broncos in the WHL in the second round of cuts that also saw Logan Brown head back to Windsor in the OHL and Filip Chaplik return to Charlottetown in the QMJHL. So far, in three games, Lajoie is plus-1 and yet to record a point.

The goals and assists will come though, as Lajoie is set to take on the roll of top-pairing defenseman and power play specialist in Swift Current.