Ottawa Senators: Derick Brassard Set To Return For Opening Night

The Ottawa Senators have had an off-season filled with worries of injured players. From Karlsson to MacArthur to White, little has inspired confidence going into the season. However, the tides are turning for the Ottawa Senators as it looks like Derick Brassard will be ready for opening night.

The status of Derick Brassard was a question mark for the Ottawa Senators throughout the off-season. After undergoing surgery early in the summer it was uncertain whether he would return for opening night. However, the common belief was that he would not be ready on time. Fortunately though, it is now widely suspected that Brassard will be ready for opening night based on line combinations used during practice.

Expected Line

Based on line combinations used during practice it looks like Brassard will centre the second line. On his wing will be Bobby Ryan on his left and Mark Stone on his right. This will be a line that is expected to do a lot of offensive damage this season. All players on it are capable of putting up significant numbers.

Last Season

Last year in his first season in Ottawa, Brassard put up 39 points in 81 games. This was a significant dip from his 58 the previous season and 60 the year before that. However, after a year of adjustment to the new team and coach it can be expected that Brassard will perform much better this season.

Next: Senators Reduce Active Roster to 23

Impact On Young Players

With Brassard returning it means that one of Logan Brown or Alex Formenton will no longer have a spot in the lineup. Both players performed remarkably well during training camp, but there is only roster spot available. Since Logan Brown is a year older and to be frank, a higher tier prospect he will likely get the nod over Formenton. After having just being drafted this past June by the Ottawa Senators another year of development will do wonder for the already promising Formenton.