Thomas Chabot Surprises with Early Return to Senators Practice

The Ottawa Senators have faced a string of injuries as they fight for playoff positioning, leading to a staggering number of players filling in on the blue line. Over the past month, the team has seen 12 different defensemen take the ice, but recent developments bring a glimmer of hope. On Tuesday, the Senators welcomed back their top defenseman, Thomas Chabot, who participated in the morning skate ahead of a crucial matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Canadian Tire Centre.

Chabot’s return marks a significant turnaround after he underwent surgery following a cross-check to the forearm by J.T. Miller of the New York Rangers on March 23. Initially expected to be sidelined for four to eight weeks, Chabot’s appearance on the ice just two weeks post-surgery is both surprising and encouraging for the team. Head coach Travis Green expressed relief at seeing Chabot back, stating, “Nice to see him on the ice. Anytime a guy gets out there in a morning skate, you know he’s not far off. And hopefully he’s back soon.” When asked about the timeline, Green added, “It’s definitely going to be sooner, whenever it is.”

While Chabot may not be known for his physicality, his quick return underscores his resilience and commitment to the team during this critical juncture. Green praised Chabot’s toughness, noting, “He’s one of the toughest players that I’ve coached or played with when it comes to playing through injuries. It’s quite amazing to be honest.” Chabot has a history of playing through injuries, having dealt with a wrist issue for over two seasons before finally opting for surgery.

Additionally, fellow defenseman Dennis Gilbert returned to practice on Monday, signaling another potential boost for the Senators’ defensive lineup. However, Green did not provide any updates regarding Gilbert’s return-to-play status. Another player to monitor is Tim Stutzle, who appeared to be in discomfort with his left shoulder during Sunday’s game.

With only five games left in the regular season, the Senators are clinging to the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, holding 90 points. They sit just one point ahead of the New York Islanders with a game in hand, while both the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets trail closely behind.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.