Thomas Chabot, a defenseman with the Ottawa Senators, had an injury in October, which was unfortunate but had a positive aspect. It made it possible for the Senators to temporarily place his $8 million-a-year contract on Long Term Injured Reserve.
The Senators were able to maintain their squad intact because to the salary cap reduction they received. But with Chabot back, the team is again in cap hell and needs to find new ways to innovate.
As a result, Ridly Greig and Mark Kastelic are currently on LTIR. Since the two forwards’ high ankle sprains lasted for a few weeks, neither of them is seriously injured. Since both players are paid minimal wages by NHL standards, the cap relief they receive is also far less than what they would have received from an injured Chabot. Despite having two forwards on long-term injured reserve, the Sens only have $148K in cap room.
Greig and Kastelic were placed on long-term inactive reserve (LTIR) with effect from November 3rd in order to provide the $1.55 million in capital space needed to activate Chabot. Both Greig and Kastelic can play on Tuesday. Greig could even be well by then.
To be honest, it’s strange to see the Senators in both their newfound role as extravagant spenders and their all too familiar one of being terribly out of the playoff picture in December. When he acquired the business, Michael Andlauer, the new owner, had other ideas.
Chabot hasn’t performed like the Norris Trophy-caliber defenseman they anticipated when they signed him to an eight-year, $64 million contract four years ago. Therefore, while he won’t exactly be able to rescue the day on his own, he does help the blue line.
And D.J. Smith, the struggling head coach, is happy to have him back.
“He gets you out of trouble by skating,” Smith said to the press. “He is able to get you out of trouble.” He plays the power play well. He is animated. And zone time in the O-zone and our breakouts—not being able to clear, it’s too much on the wall—have been among our major problems. I believe that with Chabot playing, it becomes much better.
Chabot, who has been watching the last 10 games from the sidelines, has had more than his share of press box popcorn.
Chabot said, “Yeah, obviously very excited.” Nothing is worse than wanting to be outside with the men when you’re sitting upstairs watching them go. I am therefore excited for Friday night’s game versus Columbus.
Being able to continue skating and maintaining your fitness level is a benefit of having a hand injury.
Indeed, Chabot said, “I’ve been skating for a while with the injury I had.” In the end, it really just comes down to trying to help the team win by getting back out there. We’ve played some excellent hockey, of course. Although some of our games have been more difficult than others, I believe our team is trying to improve in the next games.
Shane Pinto will return as well before we know it. As early as January 21st, his NHL ban for breaking gambling laws will come to an end. There isn’t enough cap space for the Senators to sign him again. In addition, they lack the funds to promote even one player from the minor leagues in the event of an accident. Not to mention the Sens’ 15 games this month, you should expect injuries given their recent luck.
To fix this, Senators general manager Steve Staios will need to reach an agreement. It also wouldn’t hurt to make some changes right now, given the team is currently in last place in the division and on track to miss the playoffs for the seventh straight season.
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