Injury Concerns at Ottawa Senators Training Camp
The start of training camp for the Ottawa Senators has been marred by injury worries, with winger Drake Batherson recently added to the list of sidelined players. During a skating session on Tuesday morning, Batherson experienced discomfort, prompting him to exit practice prematurely. Although head coach Travis Green did not provide specific details about the injury, he confirmed that Batherson had “pulled something.” This comes as a significant concern, as Batherson has been known for his remarkable durability, having only missed games during the 2021-22 season due to a major incident caused by goalie Aaron Dell, which led to a high ankle sprain.
Additional Injury Updates
Batherson’s injury does not stand alone. On Sunday, defenseman Tyler Kleven faced his own troubles with an awkward fall into the boards in the preseason opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which ended in a 4-3 defeat for the Senators. Fortunately, Green reported a hopeful outlook on Kleven’s condition, suggesting he could return to the ice within a couple of days.
Before the camp even kicked off, concerns emerged regarding Nick Jensen and Lars Eller, who were not fully ready to join the team. While both players are participating in practice, their availability for the season opener remains uncertain. Eller underwent a minor abdominal surgery during the offseason, leading to a cautious approach from the Senators. Jensen faced a more serious hip surgery back in May, reminiscent of a similar procedure undergone by Detroit’s Patrick Kane, who took over six months to recover. Although Green noted progress in Jensen’s recovery, he has not yet considered giving him any preseason game time, keeping in mind the team’s upcoming timeline.
Looking Ahead
The Senators and their coaching staff are now preparing for pre-season encounters in Quebec City within the next few days, amidst a large camp roster of 49 players. A significant roster reshuffle is expected as they narrow down their squad in the build-up to the competitive season ahead, with 15 days remaining before official games commence. This period will be crucial for the recovery of Batherson, Kleven, Jensen, and Eller as they look to solidify their presence in the lineup once the regular season begins.
