Clarke MacArthur to Return Tonight from Injury
After passing the baseline test last week, the Sens forward will play his first game of the season
In some shocking afternoon news from Pierre Dorion, Clarke MacArthur will be returning from injury. Even more surprising, is that he’ll be making his return tonight!
#Sens GM Pierre Dorion confirms that Clarke MacArthur will return to the line-up tonight against Detroit. pic.twitter.com/26z8jEgIue
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 4, 2017
After missing all but four games of last season with a concussion, MacArthur was ready to get back to work for 2016-17. In an unfortunate event in training camp, however, MacArthur took a hit from Sens prospect Patrick Sieloff, and was taken off with his concussion re-aggravated.
After failing the baseline test earlier in the season, and being shut down by the Sens in January, MacArthur’s journey to recovery has been an emotional roller coaster. After going as far as trying out retirement, MacArthur’s game tonight will be his first since October 2015, a total of 539 days.
With Ottawa having lost their last five games, and scoring only ten goals in that span, the offence can use all the help it can get. After making his NHL debut last night, Colin White will be a healthy scratch in MacArthur’s place.
Although there may be concerns about the long term consequences of possibly taking another big hit, it’s worth remembering all the medical professionals that had to clear MacArthur before tonight.
Welcome back Clarke!