Senators announce 3-year contract extension for GM Dorion

The Ottawa Senators have signed general manager Pierre Dorion to a three-year contract extension through the 2021-22 season.

The announcement comes while the Senators sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, but less than a year after a long playoff run under Dorion's watch.

That's what the team wants to strive for year in and year out, according to owner Eugene Melnyk.

"The goal is to win the Stanley Cup," Melnyk said. "Having come within one goal of last season's Stanley Cup Final, we were hopeful entering this season. Obviously, our results have challenged those expectations. What remains unchanged is the dedication that goes into evaluating every aspect of this organization."

The team further reiterated Dorion will concentrate on building a foundation for sustainable success.

"Today's announcement reflects a renewed commitment to scouting, drafting and development," Melnyk continued. "It may require changes to our lineup. Rest assured, we will only tolerate pain with an endgame in mind: building an organization that wins - at all levels - year in and year out."

The announcement coincided with news that team president Tom Anselmi had officially vacated the position.

Dorion has been on the job since April 2016 after taking over from the late Bryan Murray.