Senators' Defence Sees Mixed Fortunes: Sanderson Returns, Kleven Out Indefinitely
The Ottawa Senators experienced a blend of positive and negative developments on their defensive lineup this Saturday, as they prepared to face the Minnesota Wild at the Canadian Tire Centre. In a significant boost, top defenceman Jake Sanderson made his return to the ice after a prolonged absence due to injury. However, this was tempered by the news that fellow blueliner Tyler Kleven will be sidelined indefinitely, dealing another blow to the team's already strained defence corps.
Kleven's Injury Adds to Defensive Woes
Tyler Kleven's unfortunate injury occurred during the Senators' recent 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday. Only six minutes into the game, Kleven took a puck directly to the face, forcing him out of action. Following further medical evaluations on Friday, head coach Travis Green confirmed that Kleven is now classified as week-to-week, with a recovery timeline that remains uncertain. "He'll be out for a while," Green stated succinctly, highlighting the severity of the upper-body injury.
Sanderson's Return Provides Much-Needed Relief
In contrast, Jake Sanderson's comeback offers a glimmer of hope for the Senators' defensive unit. Sanderson had been sidelined for 13 consecutive games after sustaining a shoulder injury during a match against the Seattle Kraken on March 7. His return is particularly crucial given his average ice time of nearly 25 minutes per game, a testament to his pivotal role on the team. The Senators continue to miss other key defenders, including Thomas Chabot, who remains unavailable for the foreseeable future.
Defensive Depth Tested Amid Multiple Absences
The Senators' defence has been plagued by injuries throughout the season, creating a revolving door of players. Beyond Sanderson and Kleven, the team is also without Nick Jensen, who underwent knee surgery and is ruled out for the remainder of the season, even if Ottawa advances deep into the playoffs. Additionally, Dennis Gilbert and Carter Yakemchuk are currently nursing ailments, with Yakemchuk in concussion protocol, though there were indications he might have skated briefly on Saturday morning.
This season has seen Ottawa utilize an astonishing 13 different defencemen, with 12 of those deployments occurring since the conclusion of the Winter Olympics break in February. To address these shortages, the Senators called up Jorian Donovan from their American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville on Saturday morning as a precautionary measure, in case Sanderson experienced any setbacks during warmups.
Donovan's Whirlwind Journey to Ottawa
Jorian Donovan's recall involved a hectic 24-hour period. Previously sent back to Belleville last Sunday while the Senators were in Florida, Donovan was on an emergency recall that ended when Lassi Thomson became available. Under the new collective bargaining agreement rules, Donovan was required to play a game for Belleville before he could return to Ottawa. He participated in a road game against the Rochester Amerks on Friday night, leaving after the first period to embark on a five-hour journey to Ottawa, where he ultimately took part in the pre-game warmup.
The Senators' defensive challenges underscore the unpredictable nature of professional hockey, where roster stability can be disrupted in an instant. As the team navigates these obstacles, the return of a key player like Sanderson provides a vital boost, while the loss of Kleven serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands and risks inherent in the sport.
