Brady Tkachuk makes thoughts extremely clear about $13 million Sens forward's 4-year extension

Ridly Greig has signed a four-year, $13 million contract with the Ottawa Senators. Captain Brady Tkachuk expressed his happiness after hearing the news of Greig’s new contract. The deal has an average annual value of $3.25 million and keeps the 22-year-old forward with the team.

Greig, who has 12 points in 37 games this season, could have become a restricted free agent after the season. He is playing his third season for the Senators and has 47 points in 129 games. He shared his excitement following the announcement.

"It's exciting," Greig said Friday (via NHL.com). "I'm fired up to be a Sen for the next four. It doesn't really change much for me; I'm hopefully going to stay the same and keep my head down and work. But I'm just thankful for the staff and everybody for believing in me."

Brady Tkachuk described Greig as an "awesome teammate" and admired his professional approach.

"It's awesome...., Not just exciting for him, but exciting for his whole family and friends and everybody..." Tkachuk said. "He's such a good pro already at the age... how he prepares himself for a game every single night. It's amazing to see and I'm so happy for him."

The Ottawa Senators have a record of 19-18-3 almost midway into the 2024-25 NHL season. They are placed seventh in the Atlantic Division with 41 points and are four points short of the Atlantic Division wild-card spot. With Greig secured for four years, the team will focus on qualifying for the playoffs.

Brady Tkachuk learned about the extension during warmups and quickly congratulated Greig.

“To be honest I didn’t hear about it until I got on the ice," Tkachuk said. "Then somebody told me…I wanted to just congratulate him and you can see how happy he was too. How well deserved it was, it’s pretty cool to have that interaction."

He jokingly added:

"Looking forward to a nice dinner that he’s going to pay for tonight."

Senators coach Travis Green echoes Brady Tkachuk's praise for Ridly Greig's progress

Coach Travis Green said Ridly Greig deserved the contract, noting his steady improvements this season.

"It's good news," Green said. "I'm happy for him... He's a player you like and enjoy coaching."

Green also explained that Greig does many things that aren't always noticed. He highlighted Greig's penalty-killing and versatility, calling him a valuable player.

"I think I can play up and down the lineup, for sure. I think we've seen that throughout the year so far. I think 'Greener' can kind of put me wherever he wants and I'll put my head down and just work for him," Greig said.

Brady Tkachuk and the Senators will next play against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. The puck drop will take place at 4 p.m. EST.