Thomas Chabot is NOT the Senator’s Best Defenseman
Entering this season (and every season for a long time), Thomas Chabot has been the one consistency on Ottawa’s Back-End. For YEARS, he has been the go-to-guy, and for very good reason. Finally though, he does not have to be relied on as a 27 minute guy every night, and that’s probably the best thing to happen in his career.
I’m not saying Chabot is bad. I’m actually saying the opposite. He is the leader of Ottawa’s back end and will be as long as he’s with the team. I’m just saying that the Senators are not doomed if he takes a step back in terms of ice time. With the likes of Chychrun, Artem Zub, and even rookie Jake Sanderson. Chabot is currently injured, which absolutely sucks, and he’s been playing injured all season until he just could not continue anymore. He has been leading the charge ever since he entered the league. BUT, for the first time in his career, I’m not horrified of imagining the Sens Blue-Line without him while he recovers. Chychrun may be hurt right now too, but Sanderson is performing admirably as the team’s current top defenseman, Zub is playing great too. Erik Brannstrom is also having a lights-out season, and even rookie Tyler Kleven is contributing greatly.
My point is that the Ottawa Senators finally have a competent blue line and it’s okay to tone Chabot’s minutes down a bit.