Lassi Thomson’s Return to the NHL
Lassi Thomson, a promising defenseman for the Ottawa Senators, is set to make his return to the NHL on Monday night against the New York Rangers. This marks his first appearance in the league since November 25, 2022. This opportunity arises due to a series of injuries that have plagued the Senators’ defensive lineup; both Jake Sanderson and Nick Jensen are sidelined, prompting management to elevate Thomson from his usual seventh defenseman role.
Promotion and Performance
Alongside his Belleville teammate Dennis Gilbert, Thomson was called up after Gilbert sustained an injury during a recent game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Senators confirmed his promotion early Monday, noting Thomson’s scoring prowess and his leadership from the back end as key reasons for the decision.
During a motivational chat with Sens host Jackson Starr, Thomson expressed his excitement about the upcoming game, stating, “It’s a pretty awesome opportunity. Being around the boys for almost two weeks, seeing the group in the locker room after they’re winning games—this is an exciting moment for me, especially since I’ve never played here before.”
Impressive AHL Season
Thomson has been impressive in the AHL this season, leading all defensemen with 14 goals, showcasing his offensive capabilities and solid skating skills. Belleville’s interim head coach Andrew Campbell praised his abilities, mentioning, “He’s probably one of the better skaters in the whole league. The more we can get Lassi involved in the rush and the offense, the better it is for us.”
Defensive Concerns and Future Prospects
Despite his impressive offensive stats, there have been questions about Thomson’s defensive game, an area he has worked on since being drafted in the first round by Ottawa in 2019. Last season, he spent time with Malmo Redhawks in Sweden, where he led his team in goals and points. However, during his absence, the Senators found themselves relying on other right-shot defensemen, particularly Nikolas Matinpalo, who filled a critical need in his absence.
Last summer, when Thomson re-signed with Ottawa, he likely envisioned a chance to break into the NHL lineup given the uncertainties surrounding other defensemen. Yet, the Senators’ trade for Jordan Spence and the readiness of veteran Jensen for the season opener complicated his path.
Seizing the Opportunity
Now, with the Senators facing injuries, this opening provides an essential chance not only for Thomson to prove himself to Ottawa but also to showcase his talent to other teams ahead of becoming a Group 6 unrestricted free agent this summer. As things stand, Thomson’s moment is here, and he is ready to seize the opportunity.
