The Ottawa Senators kicked off development camp by giving an assist to their American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville on Wednesday.
As 15 forwards, 10 defencemen and four goaltenders hit the ice at the Bell Sensplex in the club’s annual camp for prospects and free agents, the club made some signings for the present and the future on the second day of National Hockey League free agency.
The most notable was goaltender Jackson Parsons, an Ottawa native who is one of four netminders at the camp. He was named the Canadian Hockey League’s goaltender of the year last season after a stellar season with the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers.
Parsons, 20, appeared in 52 games with the Rangers last season. He finished with a 37-12-3 record, a 2.24 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. He was also named as the top overage player in the OHL.
Parsons signed a three-year entry-level contract with Ottawa.
“It’s unbelievable,” Parsons told reporters at the club’s development camp on Wednesday afternoon. “I just want to soak everything in.”
He wasn’t drafted, and the Senators were among several teams that opted to give Parsons the chance. He will be a depth goalie in the organization, and was scheduled to attend Clarkson University next season.
In 130 career games with the Rangers, Parsons posted a 2.88 GAA and a .904 save percentage along with a 74-44-7 record. There is no downside to giving Parsons a chance.
“I am looking to make a name for myself in the AHL and go from there,” said Parsons.
The club also signed five veterans for Belleville:
G Hunter Shephard: The 29-year-old spent last season with the Washington Capitals’ AHL affiliate, Hershey Bears, and signed a one-year deal with the Senators.
Shepard, 29, posted a 23-11-4 record, a 2.80 GAA and a .891 save percentage. He was named to the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic.
F Olle Lycksell: The club confirmed his signing, which was reported on Tuesday, to a one-year, two-way deal that will pay him $775,000 in the NHL and $500,000 guaranteed in the AHL.
Lycksell, 25, had 19 goals and 44 points in 45 games with the Philadelphia Flyers’ AHL affiliate in Lehigh last season. He also had two goals and six points in seven games in the 2025 Calder Cup playoffs.
F Arthur Kaliyev: He split last season between the Los Angeles Kings and was picked up on waivers by the New York Rangers.
He didn’t receive a qualifying offer from the Rangers on Saturday, and it’s no surprise the Senators decided to take a chance on him. He was with the Kings’ AHL affiliate, Ontario Reign, for part of last season.
Kaliyev, 24, was drafted No. 33 overall by the Kings in the 2019 NHL draft. He suited up for owner Michael Andlauer and Staios with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs.
In 202 NHL games, Kaliyev has 38 goals, 37 assists and 75 points. He will have a chance to be a call-up.
F Wyatt Bongiovanni: He is staying in the organization after re-signing as a UFA. He has spent parts of the last two seasons with Belleville.
Bongiovanni finished with 22 goals and 33 points in 54 games in Belleville. He signed a two-way deal that will pay him $775,000 in the NHL and $160,000 in the minors.
F Hayden Hodgson: He suited up for 49 games with Belleville last season.
The 29-year-old Windsor native had five goals and 11 points in the AHL, but piled up 156 penalty minutes. Hodgson has played nine games in the NHL in his career.
The club held its first on-ice session at the development camp on Wednesday afternoon and has another on Thursday morning that is open to the public.
Among the participants are Carter Yakemchuk, the No. 7 overall selection in the 2024 draft, who is expected to push for a spot in camp after wrapping up his junior career with the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen.
Blueliner Logan Hensler, selected No. 23 in the first round of this year’s draft on Friday night, is also on hand. He is headed to Wisconsin University this season.
“I love helping the guys get better and thinking about ways to improve,” said Sam Gagner, the club’s new director of player development.
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