What Happened
Ottawa Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson will miss at least the next two games after suffering an undisclosed injury Saturday in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. Coach Travis Green told reporters Monday that the injury is not believed to be as severe as the team initially feared, and Sanderson has been sent home to Ottawa for further evaluation. Jordan Donovan has been recalled from AHL Belleville, and Cameron Crotty will enter the lineup Monday in Boston.
Key Details
- Sanderson was injured Saturday in Toronto and played six shifts in the season-opening win before being ruled out.
- Green said the injury is not believed to be as bad as originally thought.
- Sanderson has returned to Ottawa for further evaluation.
- Jordan Donovan was recalled from AHL Belleville to fill the roster spot.
- Cameron Crotty will enter the lineup Monday in Boston.
- Sanderson had been dealing with an injury before the season and returned to practice last Friday.
What It Means
Sanderson is a top-pairing defenceman for Ottawa, so his absence for at least two games tests the team's blue-line depth early in the season. The Senators avoided a worst-case scenario based on Green's update, but sending Sanderson home for evaluation means his timeline beyond the next two games remains uncertain. Donovan's recall and Crotty's insertion into the lineup reflect the immediate roster adjustments.
What's Next
Sanderson will be evaluated in Ottawa, and the Senators are expected to provide an update on his status after the assessment. Ottawa plays Monday in Boston with Crotty in the lineup and Donovan available.