TORONTO (Reuters) - Center Jason Spezza has signed a seven-year contract extension with the Ottawa Senators, the team said on Friday.

The 24-year-old, in his fifth season with the club, agreed a deal estimated by local media to be worth $49 million.

"Jason Spezza is a great example of what the future holds for the Ottawa Senators and our fans," owner Eugene Melnyk said in a statement.

"Jason belongs here and he continues to be an integral part of our long-term plans. We have built an impressive level of on-ice talent and (general manager) Bryan Murray and our entire management team have continued that effort with today's re-signing."

A native of Toronto, Spezza formed the NHL's most potent attack last season along with Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson.

He has registered 83 goals and 183 assists in 256 regular-season games since making his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins on October 24, 2002.

Drafted second overall by Ottawa in 2001, Spezza has been among the top four scorers for the Senators over the last three seasons and in the NHL's leading 15 in his last two campaigns.

He has recorded one goal and 12 assists in 10 games this season.