The Ottawa Senators are battling through a difficult stretch, and their blue line has been pushed to its limits. With multiple defenders sidelined, the team has essentially entered survival mode, making the latest update on Jake Sanderson a significant lifeline.
Senators Get Positive Jake Sanderson News
Jake Sanderson has missed 13 straight games after suffering an upper-body injury on March 7 against the Seattle Kraken. His absence has been significant, particularly with the Senators battling for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
There are, however, positive signs. Sanderson is currently listed as day-to-day, indicating he is getting closer to returning. He also traveled with the team on its recent Florida road trip and has been skating during morning practices.
At the latest skate, Sanderson was still wearing a non-contact jersey but was actively working with the puck. It’s another step forward, though he still needs full clearance for contact before he can rejoin the lineup.
With Ottawa a little wary, Sanderson has officially been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Buffalo Sabres. Still, the Senators remain hopeful he will return soon, potentially for the April 3 matchup against the Minnesota Wild or the following night against the Carolina Hurricanes.
“Just watching the guys the past few weeks, we’re playing some of our best hockey we’ve played all year,” Sanderson said on Monday. “I’m itching to get back with them when the time comes.”
He recorded 11 goals and 48 points in 62 games before the injury while averaging a career-high 24:49 of ice time.
Sens’ Battered Blue Line in the Spotlight
The urgency surrounding Sanderson’s return stems from the state of Ottawa’s defensive group, which has been severely depleted.
Thomas Chabot is out for the season after undergoing forearm surgery on March 26, while Nick Jensen is expected to miss at least another month following knee surgery for a torn meniscus.
Top prospect Carter Yakemchuk left Tuesday’s game against Florida with an upper-body injury after a heavy hit and will not feature agains the Sabres since he’s in concussion protocol. Meanwhile, Dennis Gilbert remains sidelined for approximately two more weeks with an upper-body issue.
With so many regular defenders unavailable, the Senators recalled Cameron Crotty from the Belleville Senators of the AHL to make his NHL debut. He is expected to slot in alongside Lassi Thomson, who recently returned from his own injury.
It leaves Ottawa with what is essentially an AHL-heavy defensive corps at a crucial time in the playoff race.
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The Senators remain just two points out of a playoff spot, but the margin for error is shrinking. Without Jake Sanderson, the challenge grows tougher. If he’s cleared soon, Ottawa gets a timely boost; if not, their playoff hopes could fade into dust.
