The Ottawa Senators jumped the gun somewhat, making their first signing of the NHL free agent season ahead of the official July 1 opening. The Sens locked up forward Nick Cousins on Tuesday, signing him to a two-year, $3.175 million deal. The contract promises to bring back one of Ottawa’s most reliable, if relatively unnoticed players. Cousins played a predominant bottom-six role, scoring nine goals and 23 points in 81 games.