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Boucher Faces Important Decision Regarding Senators Blue Line

By Phoenix Spinetti

OTTAWA, ON - MAY 23: Guy Boucher of the Ottawa Senators looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on May 23, 2017 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - MAY 23: Guy Boucher of the Ottawa Senators looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on May 23, 2017 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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The Senators defense will have a different look when they take the ice for the home opener on October 5. The loss of veteran defenseman Marc Methot in the 2017 Expansion Draft has left a question mark on Erik Karlsson‘s left side.

Senators Head Coach Guy Boucher is tasked with deciding who will pair best alongside the team’s captain.

The Las Vegas Golden Knights selected Methot from Ottawa’s list of available players during the expansion draft. General Manager Pierre Dorion has been criticized by the fanbase following his decision to expose him in favor of 2012 first round pick Cody Ceci. Methot was Karlsson’s defensive partner since his acquisition from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2012.

Vegas later traded Methot to the Dallas Stars.

Possible Solutions

In an effort to remedy the loss of his No. 2 defenseman, Dorion signed former Chicago Blackhawk and two-time Stanley Cup champion Johnny Oduya to a one-year, $1 million contract last month. Oduya is expected to begin the season next to Karlsson as Methot’s replacement.

While this is the most likely scenario, Oduya is not the only option Boucher has at his disposal. Frederick Claesson, who was drafted 126th overall by the Senators in 2011, may be a more viable solution.  Claesson played alongside Karlsson while Methot was recovering from injury last spring, finishing the regular season in Ottawa with 11 points in 33 games and a plus-minus rating of +5.

Additionally, Boucher will likely give 2015 first round pick Thomas Chabot a look next to Karlsson early in the season. Prospects Ben Harpur and Andreus Englund may also get a chance during preseason to play on the captain’s left side.

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Despite the options Boucher has available, it is crucial that whoever is paired with Karlsson will be effective in a stay-at-home role. Karlsson, who is is known for jumping up into the play and contributing offensively, will need a reliable defensive partner who will complement his firewagon hockey approach to the game.

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