Senators Defenseman Tyler Kleven Sidelined with Upper-Body Injury

The 24-year-old blueliner is week-to-week and could miss the remainder of the regular season.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the angular movements and collisions of a hockey defenseman, rendered in a cubist style with muted tones of navy, maroon, and forest green.A cubist interpretation of a Senators defenseman's physical presence on the ice, reflecting the team's injury woes on the blue line.Fargo Today

Ottawa Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven has suffered an upper-body injury and is considered week-to-week, potentially sidelining him for the rest of the 2025-26 regular season. Kleven, a 24-year-old physical presence on the Senators' blue line, has three goals and 18 points in 70 games this campaign.

Why it matters

Kleven's injury is a significant blow to the Senators, who are already dealing with a rash of injuries on the back end. The team was hoping to have Kleven available for the start of the playoffs after he played a key role in their first-round series against the Maple Leafs last season.

The details

Kleven sustained the upper-body injury during Thursday's 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres. He blocked a shot up high in the first period and was unable to continue. The Senators are hopeful Kleven can return at some point during their first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, but his status remains uncertain.

  • Kleven was injured in Thursday's game against the Sabres.
  • He is considered week-to-week and could miss the remainder of the regular season.

The players

Tyler Kleven

A 24-year-old defenseman for the Ottawa Senators who has 3 goals and 18 points in 70 games this season.

Travis Green

The head coach of the Ottawa Senators.

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What they’re saying

“Kleven (upper body) is skating and could be available for the first round of the playoffs.”

— Travis Green, Head Coach

What’s next

The Senators hope to have Kleven back in the lineup at some point during their first-round playoff series against the Hurricanes.

The takeaway

Kleven's injury is a significant setback for the Senators, who were counting on the physical defenseman to play a key role in their postseason push. His potential return would provide a much-needed boost to Ottawa's blue line as they look to make a deep playoff run.