Senators Lose Chabot and Thomson to Injuries as Playoff Race Heats Up

Ottawa recalls AHL standout Yakemchuk to bolster depleted blue line

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:37am

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The Ottawa Senators are facing a critical juncture in their season as they navigate potential long-term injuries to key defensemen Thomas Chabot and Lassi Thomson. Both players exited Monday's game against the New York Rangers, leaving the team shorthanded on the blue line as they battle for a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference race.

Why it matters

The loss of Chabot and Thomson is a significant blow to the Senators, who are currently just one point behind the Detroit Red Wings for a wild-card spot. With the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders also in the mix, the Senators' ability to weather these injuries could determine their postseason fate.

The details

Head coach Travis Green confirmed that both Chabot and Thomson will be sidelined 'for a while,' though specific timelines remain unclear. Chabot sustained a right wrist/arm injury, while Thomson suffered a lower-body injury. To address the defensive shortage, the Senators are considering recalling prospect Carter Yakemchuk from the Belleville Senators of the AHL, where he has been impressive this season with 10 goals and 36 points in 50 games.

  • On March 23, 2026, Chabot and Thomson were injured during the Senators' 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers.
  • The Senators are currently trailing the Detroit Red Wings by one point (84 to 83) in the Eastern Conference standings, with the Boston Bruins (86 points) and New York Islanders (85 points) also in the playoff hunt.

The players

Thomas Chabot

A 29-year-old defenseman who has been a consistent offensive contributor for the Senators, registering seven goals and 31 points in 54 games this season.

Lassi Thomson

A 25-year-old defenseman who was making his season debut with the Senators after a strong performance in the AHL, where he tallied 14 goals and 25 points in 55 games.

Carter Yakemchuk

A Senators prospect currently playing for the Belleville Senators in the AHL, where he has recorded 10 goals and 36 points in 50 games this season.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to overcome these injuries and keep our playoff push going. The team has shown resilience, but we'll need contributions from everyone to make up for the loss of Chabot and Thomson.”

— Travis Green, Head Coach, Ottawa Senators

What’s next

The Senators will closely monitor the recovery timelines for Chabot and Thomson, and are expected to make a decision on recalling Yakemchuk in the coming days to bolster their defensive depth.

The takeaway

The Senators' ability to navigate these key injuries will be crucial in determining their playoff fate, highlighting the importance of depth and prospect development in the modern NHL. The team's resilience and the potential impact of a player like Yakemchuk could be the difference in a tight Eastern Conference race.