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Ottawa Senators: Wideman Injury Brings Doubt To His Future In Ottawa

By Alexander O'Reilly

OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Chris Wideman (6) is helped off the ice by Ottawa Senators Defenceman Mark Borowiecki (74) and Assistant athletic therapist Domenic Nicoletta during third period National Hockey League action between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators on November 16, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Chris Wideman (6) is helped off the ice by Ottawa Senators Defenceman Mark Borowiecki (74) and Assistant athletic therapist Domenic Nicoletta during third period National Hockey League action between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators on November 16, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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In their first game back from Sweden the Ottawa Senators fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, the worse loss was Chris Wideman who tore his right hamstring. The effects of this injury could have seriously negative effects on the career of Wideman.

When Wideman was injured the other night, it was easy to tell just from watching the play that it was a serious injury. Wideman needed to be assisted off the ice and was clearly in a lot of pain. While this is a tough loss for the Ottawa Senators, it’s an even worse situation for Wideman himself.

Rise To The NHL

Wideman was a late bloomer, only making the NHL two seasons ago at the age of 25. He was an offensive star in the AHL and made the NHL because of his offensive capabilities. However, since making the NHL he hasn’t had the same offensive flare that got him here. He has been decent, but not extraordinary, scoring a total of 30 points over the past two seasons. As a result, he has been a third pairing defender for most of his time in Ottawa.

The Sens Defensive Situation

With Wideman in the final year of his contract and likely out until March, he may have difficulty re-signing in Ottawa. Next season the Sens will have Karlsson, Phaneuf, Ceci, and Borowiecki all signed. Claesson will also be brought back as an RFA and there’s next to no chance that Chabot will spend another season in the AHL. That’s six defencemen already without factoring the fact that Harpur may push for playing time and the Sens may want to bring back Oduya.

Next: Ottawa Senators: Borowiecki Injured; Chabot Recalled From Belleville

A Doubtful Future

A long-term injury for Wideman is bad in the short term for Ottawa, however, it’s terrible for Wideman in the long term. He may find work in the NHL next season, but at this point it seems unlikely that it will be with the Ottawa Senators.

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