Senators' Defensive Roster Faces Mounting Challenges with Latest Injury
The Ottawa Senators' defensive lineup has encountered another significant setback, compounding an already challenging season for the team's blueline corps. During Saturday night's matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Canadian Tire Centre, defenceman Dennis Gilbert sustained an upper-body injury that forced him out of the game prematurely.
Game Incident Leads to Immediate Absence
Gilbert's injury occurred with less than five minutes remaining in the third period when Toronto defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson delivered a hard check that sent Gilbert crashing into the boards. Despite the Senators securing a 5-2 victory over their rivals, the win came at a cost as Gilbert was unable to complete the contest. Subsequent medical evaluations confirmed he would miss upcoming games, including Monday night's matchup against the New York Rangers.
Coach Travis Green provided a sobering assessment of the situation, stating plainly that Gilbert "is going to miss a little time" as the team evaluates the extent of the damage. The defenceman did not travel with the team for their road games as he undergoes further examination by medical staff.
Compounding Defensive Absences
This latest injury exacerbates an already depleted defensive corps for the Senators. The team was already operating without two key contributors:
- Jake Sanderson, the team's top blueliner, remains sidelined with a shoulder injury
- Nick Jensen, a veteran presence, is expected to miss at least six weeks following knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus suffered on March 11
Gilbert had been inserted into the lineup following Jensen's injury, forming a reliable third pairing with Nikolas Matinpalo. The 27-year-old defenceman, in his second stint with Ottawa after being acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this season, had provided steady minutes in his increased role.
Organizational Depth Tested
With Gilbert's absence, the Senators have recalled defenceman Lassi Thomson from their American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville. Thomson is expected to face both the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings in upcoming contests, marking his return to NHL action after last appearing on November 25, 2022.
The 23-year-old Thomson has demonstrated offensive capability in the AHL this season, recording 14 goals and 25 points in 55 games with Belleville. His recall makes him the tenth different defenceman to suit up for Ottawa this season, highlighting the extraordinary roster turnover the team has experienced on the back end.
Future Considerations and Organizational Options
Should the injury situation persist or worsen, the Senators have several potential options within their system, though each comes with considerations:
- Carter Yakemchuk, the seventh overall selection in the 2024 NHL draft, has posted 10 goals and 36 points in his rookie AHL season but carries a concerning minus-30 rating
- Zachary Bolduc, acquired from Montreal at the trade deadline, provides veteran AHL experience but would be ineligible for playoff participation due to deadline acquisition rules
The Senators' defensive challenges represent a significant test for the organization's depth and management, with president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios facing difficult decisions about how to stabilize the team's blueline during a critical stretch of the season.
