Senators Face Another Defensive Blow as Kleven Injured, Await Sanderson's Return
The Ottawa Senators have been battling adversity throughout the entire NHL season, and now they face another significant challenge on defense. The team suffered a fresh setback when defenseman Tyler Kleven was forced to leave Thursday night's game against the Buffalo Sabres after being struck in the face by a puck. This injury comes as the Senators hold the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, adding pressure to an already strained defensive corps.
Kleven's Injury Details and Potential Timeline
Tyler Kleven's injury occurred just six minutes into the contest against the Sabres, resulting in what the club has described as an upper-body injury. Senators head coach Travis Green expressed concern about the severity, stating he was "not expecting great news" after the incident. Kleven was immediately sent for further medical evaluation, with initial reports suggesting the impact was in the jaw area.
Medical assessments will determine the exact nature of the injury, but if the jaw is fractured, Kleven could potentially miss five to six weeks of action. There is a possibility he could return earlier while wearing protective equipment like a full visor, but any decision will be made in consultation with the team's medical staff. This development is particularly disappointing as Kleven had been stepping up to play increased minutes due to other defensive absences.
Potential Boost with Sanderson's Return
While dealing with Kleven's injury, the Senators could receive welcome reinforcement this weekend. Defenseman Jake Sanderson, who has missed the past thirteen games with a shoulder injury sustained on March 7th against the Seattle Kraken, appears to be nearing a return. Sanderson participated in Friday's optional skate wearing a red jersey typically reserved for players who are cleared for contact, signaling positive progress in his recovery.
Coach Green indicated there was a chance Sanderson could play during the upcoming weekend games, though a formal lineup update wasn't expected until Saturday morning. Sanderson's return would provide a substantial boost to the Senators' defense, as he has contributed 11 goals and 37 assists for 48 points in 62 games this season while averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time per game.
Defensive Depth Being Severely Tested
The Senators' defensive unit has been stretched to its limits this season. The team has now utilized thirteen different defensemen, including twelve since the conclusion of the Olympic break in late February. This number includes Donovan Sebrango, who was claimed on waivers by the Florida Panthers earlier in the season.
With Kleven joining an injury list that already includes Thomas Chabot, Nick Jensen, and call-ups Carter Yakemchuk and Dennis Gilbert, the Senators have been forced to dig deep into their organizational depth. Yakemchuk was recently placed into concussion protocol after taking an elbow to the face during Tuesday's game against Florida, with no established timetable for his return.
In response to these mounting injuries, the Senators recalled Cameron Crotty from their American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville. The Ottawa native made his third NHL appearance and his first in a year during Thursday's game against Buffalo, highlighting the extraordinary circumstances facing the team's defensive lineup.
Playoff Implications and Upcoming Schedule
The Senators find themselves in a precarious position as they navigate these defensive challenges while maintaining their playoff aspirations. With only seven games remaining in the regular season, every lineup decision carries significant weight. The team faces the Minnesota Wild on Saturday afternoon followed by a Sunday evening matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.
How the Senators manage their defensive personnel through this difficult stretch could ultimately determine their postseason fate. The potential return of Sanderson would provide much-needed stability, but the loss of Kleven represents another obstacle in what has already been a season defined by resilience and adaptation.
