Ottawa Senators: Training Camp Opens; Boucher Talks Prospects, Injuries
Training camp was in full swing on Friday, when the Senators had their first on-ice session at Bell Sensplex in Ottawa. Head coach Guy Boucher put the players through their paces early before dividing them into two squads for a scrimmage.
Following the on-ice session, Boucher met with media for the first time this season. The Senators head coach made it clear that he is giving every player a fair chance to earn a place in the lineup.
“Coming in, we’ve seen some of those guys. So I’ve seen Colin [White], I’ve seen Chabot last year. We had them for a while. So you’re able to know what they’re capable of doing and you want to send them out there with some guys to see what it’s going to look like,” Boucher said. “But it doesn’t mean that we’re not open to what’s happening with the other players. But just like last year with Dzingel, I didn’t give Dzingel any special treatment and he just made his way through.”
Boucher mentioned 20-year-old forward prospect Filip Chlapik as one of the young players who immediately stood out.
“Chlapik was really good last weekend, and I look at him today and he’s just kind of coming out of – not nowhere, because you know he’s a good player, he did great in junior – but if you look at what he did last year compared to this year, it’s a new player. And today, he just really impressed me.”
“It’s just one day today, but there’s always, in camps, guys who come out and they’re just telling you by their actions ‘Hey, I want to make this team, I don’t care how old I am. I don’t care where I’m from. I don’t care what the media say about who has the most chances.’ … There’s always that one guy, at every level, who just makes his way through.”
Injury Update
Boucher’s comments come on the heels of more injury news.
Yesterday, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion confirmed that veteran winger Clarke MacArthur failed his medical examination and was not cleared to play.
The news is a disheartening blow to the Senators and their fans. MacArthur, who has suffered multiple concussions since 2015, made a miraculous return to the lineup late last spring after missing nearly two full seasons.
The organization has not disclosed the reason he did not pass the exam. It is possible that MacArthur is still dealing with a neck injury he sustained during the playoffs.
Ryan Dzingel may also be missing from the lineup on October 5, due to a lingering wrist injury.
Furthermore, forward prospect Nick Paul was sidelined with an ankle injury on Friday. Boucher told the media he will miss at least a week of camp. Due to his injury, it is almost certain Paul will be bound for Belleville later this month.
If veteran center Derick Brassard (shoulder) is not cleared before October 5, the Senators will have up to three empty slots up front.
In addition, Erik Karlsson will most likely miss the beginning of the season as he recovers from foot surgery. The captain’s absence leaves another (massive) hole on defense.
Next: Ottawa Senators: Biggest Stories Heading Into Training Camp
The rash of injuries provides an enormous opportunity for young players to step up. Monday’s lineup versus Toronto will most likely consist heavily of prospects who maintain a high compete level in camp. Following the first two preseason games early next week, look for Boucher to select a small group of rookies to remain in Ottawa for the time being.