The Ottawa Senators received some much-needed positive news regarding their injury-plagued defence corps after several concerning incidents during recent games.
Injury Updates Provide Relief
Defenceman Nick Jensen participated in an optional skate on Friday morning, providing hope that his upper-body injury sustained during Thursday night's 5-3 victory over the Boston Bruins might not be serious. Jensen left the game late in the second period at Canadian Tire Centre, creating concern for a team already dealing with multiple defensive injuries.
The situation looked particularly dire when Jensen took a hard hit from Mark Kastelic during the second period. Despite attempting to continue playing, he ultimately had to leave the game. Jensen's presence on the ice Friday morning demonstrates his resilience, as he has shown willingness to play through significant pain in the past, including finishing last season with a hip injury that required surgery.
Sanderson Avoids Serious Injury
Additional good news came regarding top defenceman Jake Sanderson, who took a shot off his wrist during the first period of Thursday's game. While Sanderson left the game briefly and didn't look completely comfortable upon returning, he reported significant improvement by Friday.
"I'm good. I just jammed my wrist, but I woke up today feeling a lot better," Sanderson stated. "I was a little bit concerned, but we have amazing trainers and they took care of me. I'm feeling a lot better."
Sanderson's quick recovery provides crucial stability to Ottawa's defensive lineup, especially with other key players currently sidelined.
Roster Decisions Looming
The Senators remain without veteran blueliner Thomas Chabot, who suffered an upper-body injury on Tuesday and will likely miss at least two weeks. However, the news on Chabot appears better than initially expected. After undergoing tests to rule out the need for surgery, coach Travis Green described Chabot as day-to-day, with a good chance of returning during the club's upcoming Western road trip.
If Jensen isn't ready to face the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday to close out Ottawa's four-game homestand, the organization will need to recall a defenceman from their American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville. General Manager Steve Staios observed Jensen skating with captain Brady Tkachuk, Nick Cousins, Hayden Hodgson, and Travis MacDermid during Friday's optional session.
The Senators have several options for defensive reinforcements. Lassi Thomson and rookie Carter Yakemchuk represent the top candidates for recall, while the club also holds the option of signing veteran defenceman Scott Harrington from his AHL contract to an NHL deal. Harrington brings substantial experience with 250 NHL games played.
Another consideration involves unsigned restricted free agent Max Guenette. The Senators have been attempting to trade him, but the injuries to Chabot and the loss of Donovan Sebrango on waivers to the Florida Panthers have suddenly created depth concerns on defence. This situation might prompt Ottawa to explore trading Guenette for another blueliner who can provide immediate help.
An additional potential option emerged when the Edmonton Oilers placed veteran Troy Stecher on waivers Friday. Stecher, who previously played for Green in Vancouver, could represent a claim opportunity for the Senators as they navigate their current defensive challenges.
