The Ottawa Senators could be getting a massive boost to their blue line at the perfect time. When Thomas Chabot suffered a broken arm on March 23 and underwent surgery, the initial four to eight week timeline made it feel like his regular season was over. However, the veteran defenceman is proving to be a quick healer.
Head coach Travis Green provided an optimistic update earlier this week, telling reporters that Chabot is officially "not far off" from a return to the lineup. Seeing him back on the ice for the skate was a significant step, especially with the team right in the middle of a high-stakes push for a playoff spot. Green noted that the team is hopeful to have him back soon, which would give a much-needed boost to a blue line that has been hit hard by injuries lately.
Chabot Reportedly Close to Returning
Chabot has been a workhorse for the Senators this season, putting up 31 points in 55 games while logging heavy minutes. His ability to move the puck out of the defensive zone is a big part of Ottawa’s game, and his absence has forced players like Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub to play even more ice time than they usually do.
The Senators currently hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with 92 points. They have managed to stay afloat by leaning on a strong defensive structure that limits quality chances, but getting a veteran like Chabot back would help settle things down on the back end as the games start to feel tighter.
Senators’ Final Playoff Push
With only a handful of games left in the regular season, the timing of this recovery could not be better. The Senators are back in action Thursday at home against the Florida Panthers before heading out for a back-to-back over the weekend.
If Chabot can clear the final hurdles and get back into the lineup during this stretch, it would give the Senators their full defensive group for the first time in weeks. For a team trying to lock in a playoff spot, having Chabot back might end up being the extra push they need.