Ottawa Senators Could Start Season Without Erik Karlsson
The Sens’ captain has no timetable for his injury
Although the Ottawa Senators’ run to the conference finals was spectacular, it came at a hefty cost. Numerous players from the team became injured, with Erik Karlsson taking the brunt of the force. The captain underwent surgery in mid-June to repair tendons in his left foot, and although Pierre Dorion originally hoped for Karlsson to be back in time for the regular season, it appears that he may have been over-optimistic.
Karlsson’s injury was sustained throughout the playoffs, which likely plays a factor in why it’s so severe. Hopefully he can have a quick recovery, and return to playing at his elite level. Considering the level he was playing at in the playoffs, there’s reason to believe he’ll be fine.
In the meantime, it’s likely that either Cody Ceci or Chris Wideman will begin the season on the top pair, with one of Phaneuf, Borowiecki, Harpur or Jaros occupying the additional spot on the right side.
Erik Karlsson gave the following quote:
“It’s going to be a while. We’ll see when I can start skating again. We don’t have a timeline for that, either. I think once I do that, we will know a little bit more clearly when I’ll be able to play again.”
The regular season begins in less than a month, when the Sens host the President’s Trophy winning Washington Capitals on October 5th.
Karlsson wasn’t the only Senator to be set back this off-season, as Derick Brassard had to have an operation on his right shoulder following the playoff run. Fortunately, however, his recovery seems to be ahead of schedule, and is back to doing his regular workout routines.
