Ottawa Senators star defenceman Wade Redden has signed a new two-year contract with the team.

by Todd Anderson

The Ottawa Senators will have all-star defenceman Wade Redden in the lineup for at least two more seasons. On Friday morning, Senators general manager John Muckler announced he signed the team's alternate captain to a new two-year contract.

Redden said coming back to Ottawa was his No. 1 choice.

"We sat down at the end of (the 2005-06) season and looked at all our options. The main thing is I wanted to be on a competitive team. We have that here. I believe in our team. I have a comfort zone here. I've played with Alfie (captain Daniel Alfredsson) for 10 years, and Philly (Chris Phillips), there's a good nucleus here. I'm really excited. Everyone here is committed to winning."

Muckler was impressed with how negotiations with Redden and Meehan took place.

"I want to thank Don Meehan for the co-operation and manner in which negotiations were handled. What I like about this is that Wade has signed for the right reasons. He loves the organization and he loves the community. He works hard with charities and his job isn't finished here. It's nice to be respected by Wade. He's a cornerstone of our hockey team."