The Ottawa Senators' defensive corps has suffered another significant setback, with veteran blueliner Nick Jensen facing a lengthy absence due to a knee injury that will require surgical intervention.
Jensen's Season-Ending Injury and Uncertain Future
Coach Travis Green confirmed on Tuesday that Jensen will undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus, an injury sustained during last Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at Canadian Tire Centre. The 35-year-old defenseman is expected to miss at least six weeks of action, effectively ending his season with the Senators.
"I feel bad for him," Green expressed. "We didn't think originally it would end up going this way. It's going to be best for him that he does the surgery, and he'll be back to 100 percent for sure."
Likely Final Appearance in Senators Uniform
With Jensen scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and Green indicating the veteran won't return to Ottawa next season, the injury likely marks Jensen's final game wearing a Senators jersey. The timing is particularly unfortunate as the team battles to maintain playoff positioning in the competitive Eastern Conference.
"Jensen is a warrior," Green emphasized. "You feel for him. He battled back from that hip surgery, and it's just terrible timing for him. He's a competitive guy, and this is the time of year that guys like that love playing."
Sanderson's Progress Provides Some Relief
While Jensen faces an extended recovery, the Senators received more positive news regarding another injured defenseman. Jake Sanderson, who suffered a shoulder injury ten days ago against the Vancouver Canucks, won't require surgery and could resume skating within the next week according to Green.
Sanderson will miss his fourth consecutive game when Ottawa faces the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night, but his absence isn't expected to be as prolonged as Jensen's. The young defenseman leads all Senators blueliners in ice time, averaging 24 minutes and 29 seconds per game.
Defensive Depth Tested
The loss of Jensen comes at a particularly challenging time for Ottawa's defensive unit. General manager Steve Staios attempted to acquire a right-shot defenseman before the March 3 trade deadline but was unable to complete any deals. With Jensen sidelined and Sanderson still recovering, other players will need to step up to fill the void.
Artem Zub (20:23 average ice time) and Thomas Chabot (20:16) will likely see increased responsibilities in Sanderson's continued absence. The team plans to exercise caution with Sanderson's return, ensuring his shoulder has fully healed before he rejoins the lineup, which could take several more weeks.
Jensen's Resilient Career Path
This latest injury represents another challenge in Jensen's resilient professional journey. The defenseman joined Ottawa in 2023 as part of the trade that sent Jakob Chychrun to Washington. Remarkably, Jensen played through last season's playoffs with a hip injury that required reconstructive surgery during the offseason.
Originally projected to be sidelined until December following that procedure, Jensen pursued aggressive rehabilitation that allowed him to return to skating late in training camp. His determination and work ethic have been hallmarks of his career, though questions now arise about whether this might mark the conclusion of his National Hockey League tenure.
"We're going to miss him, we feel for him, but Jensen will battle back for sure," Green affirmed, highlighting the veteran's proven resilience in overcoming previous health challenges.
