As the Ottawa Senators head into the 2017-2018 NHL season they enter with two big question marks. Will Derick Brassard and Erik Karlsson be available on opening night?
Both Brassard and Karlsson suffered injuries during the Ottawa Senators playoff run this past spring. Although neither actually missed anytime because of these injuries, they likely made them worse by playing through them. Brassard suffered a shoulder injury during the playoffs. Karlsson had fractures in his foot near the end of the season that continued throughout the playoffs.
Brassard
For Brassard he required surgery to repair his shoulder after sustaining an injury during the playoffs. His timeline to return said he would return within a month of the start of the season. Recently, General Manager Pierre Dorion reported that Brassard should be close to returning at the start of the season. This does not necessarily mean he will start opening night, but it doesn’t mean he’ll miss it either. Brassard, who is expected to center the second line for the Sens, would be a difficult to replace if he missed the beginning of the season.
Karlsson
Despite how valuable Brassard is to the team, the true worry for the Sens is the status of Captain Erik Karlsson. Karlsson suffered fractures to his foot and damage to his tendons at the end of the season. These injuries were likely made worse by playing through them for three rounds of playoff hockey. Today at the same time as his report on Brassard, Dorion stated that Karlsson will begin skating within two weeks. Once he begins skating the Sens will be able to better judge whether he will be available for the beginning of the season.
Next: Ottawa Senators Make Changes To Canadian Tire Centre Capacity
Competitive Edge
If the Ottawa Senators are to compete in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference they need their best players healthy. With how tight the East has become every point is valuable. Not having Brassard and Karlsson to start the season could be difficult to come back from. Other players will need to step up to ensure the team is in a good position when they return.