Summary
The Ottawa Senators are facing a difficult situation after losing two key defensemen to injuries. Thomas Chabot and Lassi Thomson both left a recent game against the New York Rangers and are expected to be out of the lineup for a significant amount of time. This news comes at a bad time for the team as they are currently in the middle of a tight race for a spot in the playoffs. Head coach Travis Green confirmed that the team will need to bring up players from their minor league affiliate to fill the gaps.
Main Impact
Losing Thomas Chabot is a massive blow to the Senators' defense. Chabot is one of the team's most important players, often playing more than 22 minutes per game. He helps the team both when they have the puck and when they are trying to defend. With another top defender, Jake Sanderson, already out of the lineup, the Senators are now missing their two best players on the back end. This leaves the team with very little experience as they head into the most important part of the season.
Key Details
What Happened
The injuries occurred during Ottawa's victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Chabot left the ice during the first period and appeared to be in a lot of pain while holding his right wrist. After the game, he was seen wearing a splint on that same wrist. This is a major concern because Chabot had surgery on that wrist back in 2024. Lassi Thomson also left the game early, finishing with less than five minutes of total playing time. Coach Travis Green told reporters after the game that both players would be missing from the lineup for a while.
Important Numbers and Facts
Chabot has been a productive player this year, recording seven goals and 31 points in 55 games. He ranks second among the team's defensemen in scoring. The Senators are currently on a strong run, having won eight of their last ten games. Despite this success, they still trail the New York Islanders by two points for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They are also one point behind the Detroit Red Wings, making every upcoming game vital for their post-season hopes.
Background and Context
The Ottawa Senators spent several years rebuilding their roster with young talent. Last season, they finally broke through and made the playoffs for the first time since 2017. This year, the goal was to take the next step and become a serious contender. However, the 2025-26 season has been a roller coaster with many ups and downs. The team has dealt with several injuries to key players, which has made it hard to stay consistent. Now, just as they were starting to play their best hockey, these new injuries threaten to slow down their progress.
Public or Industry Reaction
Fans and hockey experts are concerned about how the Senators will handle these losses. Coach Travis Green has indicated that the team will call up two players from the Belleville Senators, which is their partner team in the American Hockey League (AHL). There is a lot of talk about Carter Yakemchuk, a high-ranking draft pick who has been playing well in the minors. While the team wanted to give him more time to develop, they may have no choice but to let him play in the NHL now. Other players like Samuel Bolduc, who has NHL experience, are also being considered to help steady the defense.
What This Means Going Forward
The Senators have a very difficult schedule ahead. They play the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins this week, both of whom are also fighting for a playoff position. These are "must-win" games for Ottawa. Without Chabot and Sanderson, players like Artem Zub and Jordan Spence will have to play much larger roles. Zub is known for his strong defensive play and will likely be asked to stop the opponent's best scorers. If the team cannot find a way to win without their stars, their dreams of making the playoffs for a second straight year could disappear quickly.
Final Take
The Ottawa Senators are being tested in a way that few teams can survive. Losing your top two defensemen during a playoff push is a nightmare scenario for any coach. The next few weeks will reveal the true character of this roster. If the young players called up from the minors can perform well, Ottawa might still have a chance. However, if the defense struggles to hold up, the team may look back at this week as the moment their season slipped away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will Thomas Chabot be out?
The team has not given an exact date for his return, but Coach Travis Green said he will be out "for a while." He was seen wearing a splint on his right wrist after the game.
Who will replace the injured defensemen?
The Senators plan to call up two players from their AHL team in Belleville. Potential candidates include top prospect Carter Yakemchuk and veteran Samuel Bolduc.
Are the Senators still in the playoff race?
Yes, but it will be difficult. They are currently two points behind the New York Islanders for the final playoff spot and have several games left against direct rivals.
