In March 2023, the Ottawa Senators had high hopes when they traded for defenseman Jakob Chychrun from the then Arizona Coyotes. However, the Chychrun experiment came to an end in Ottawa quickly.
In July 2024, the Senators traded Chychrun away to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick and defenseman Nick Jensen. There was some concern about the Senators trading Chychrun away and receiving Jensen.
Jensen had a struggling season in his final year of Washington with his -9 rating being the lowest in his career for a single season, but he became an important piece to Ottawa's roster defensively. Jensen recently showed just how he overcame toughness in his first season in Ottawa, and his presence was known.
Jensen was hurt early into season, but played through it
It was during the Senators' California road trip last season. Prior to the Senators' showdown with the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 1, Jensen revealed that he was first dealing with pain. Jensen revealed this while being a recent guest on the Coming In Hot Senators Podcast.
Even with dealing with pain, Jensen played through it. In his first season in Ottawa, it was clear that Jensen's presence was important despite him being in pain.
In 71 games played last season in Ottawa, Jensen recorded 21 points with 95 blocked shots and 55 hits defensively. Jensen's +18 rating not only led the Senators in the regular season, but it was the second highest for a single season in his career. Jensen also averaged over 20 minutes of ice time per game. To produce solid play like that while dealing with pain shows how tough Jensen is.
However, the 2025 playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs was a struggle for Jensen. In six games, Jensen recorded no points with a -1 rating. There may have been signs that Jensen wasn't 100 percent during the playoffs.
This past May, Jensen got off-season hip surgery. Getting hip surgery was needed for Jensen to return healthy to the lineup when he is ready to go.
Jensen will turn 35 years old on Sept. 21, but will be eager to show how important he is to the Senators roster. Jensen is entering the final year of his contract, so a strong season is needed. One thing is for sure, Jensen's toughness is clear with playing in pain during the regular season and playoffs.