THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA -- The Ottawa Senators have locked up the final member of their explosive first line, agreeing to a US$49-million, seven-year contract extension with star centre Jason Spezza.

The 24-year-old would have been a restricted free agent after this season but instead is committed to the team through 2014-15 season.

"Jason Spezza is a great example of what the future holds for the Ottawa Senators and our fans," owner Eugene Melnyk said in a release. "Without question, Jason belongs here in Ottawa and he continues to be an integral part of our organization's long-term plans."

Spezza joins Daniel Alfredsson, who's signed through 2011-12, and Dany Heatley, who agreed to a $45-million, six-year extension through 2013-14 last month, as franchise cornerstones.

"This is a good situation for Jason," his agent Rick Curran said Friday. "This is where he wants to be and that's always the best deal for a player."

Spezza has a goal and 12 assists in 10 games so far this season, helping Ottawa to a 10-1-0 start. He sat out Thursday night's 6-4 win over the Atlanta Thrashers with a groin injury and is listed as day-to-day.

Spezza is earning $5 million this season, the last on his contract.

The new contract is split between $33 million of salary and $16 million in signing bonuses paid out over the first five years of the deal. In total, Spezza will earn $8 million in each of the first five seasons of the agreement, $5 million in 2013-14 and $4 million in 2014-15.

His average annual salary of $7 million will count against the salary cap.