With training camps opening in just a few days, the Ottawa Senators hopes of having their number one defender Erik Karlsson ready to go is looking bleak. After Karlsson’s dominant playoffs last season for the Senators, he would go on to suffer from an injury. Karlsson had surgery on two hairline fractures in his left heel on June 14th. Now a month before puck drop, there’s still no timetable on the defender’s return.
Erik Karlsson‘s Return Still Unknown
Karlsson attended today’s NHL – NHLPA player media event. Karlsson in an interview, stated that he’s feeling good but has still yet to skate. That statement has got a lot of Senators fans breathing heavier than normal. Even when Karlsson does skate for the first time, he’ll have to be cleared before he can return to action. It’s safe to bet that Karlsson will miss all of training camp. He also won’t play a preseason game either. It’s for the best if Karlsson gets all the rest he can get.
Erik Karlsson’s Absence Is Key
If Karlsson is unable to start on opening night, it raises a lot of concerns for the team. The Senators are capable of winning without Karlsson in the lineup, but it’s much harder to navigate the ship without their captain being there for them. Thomas Chabot would definitely be looked at upon taking Karlsson’s spot until he returns.
Obviously Guy Boucher won’t throw him into the battlefield right away, but the young defender would most likely be playing a handful of minutes. It would also be a chance for him to show his value to the team, after all, he is their best prospect challenging for a spot when camp opens. Although it’s reasonable to assume that Senators fans would just like to have Erik Karlsson on opening night, and let Thomas Chabot develop on his own time.
Main Photo:
