The Ottawa Senators have announced just before their game Thursday that defenceman Artem Zub is out. He had a COVID-19 test that came back inconclusive, so they are removing him just in case. Josh Brown will take his spot on the blueline.
#Sens lineup update: LW Nick Paul is taking warmup and is expected to play tonight in Winnipeg.
For precautionary reasons, D Artem Zub will not play after returning an inconclusive COVID test today (after testing negative yesterday). Josh Brown will dress in his place.
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) February 12, 2021
Artem Zub Out
The Senators are set to take on the Winnipeg Jets tonight. However, they will be without one of their strongest defencemen so far this season. It is the right move to take him out to be safe. While it is very possible his test comes back positive, there is no reason to risk it. So far this season, the UFA out of Russia has been very solid in the six games he’s played. Looking like a bit of a stabilizing force they’ve needed on that right side. Losing him will be a much bigger loss than anticipated even a week or two ago.
However, it will be a chance for Brown to prove he is better than the results he showed earlier. Brown has had a rough year in a Sens uniform, looking uncomfortable and getting out-chanced badly while he has been on the ice. He needs to play well tonight as his opportunities may be quickly running out if he can’t.
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Also, the Sens announced that Nick Paul will likely play. He was a game-time decision heading into today with what was described as a minor injury. Cedric Paquette would draw in if Paul can’t go. Paul has been one of the Senators best forwards so far in this early year. We will keep an eye on Artem Zub, hopefully, it is nothing more than a negative test that came back inconclusive.
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