Story by
Jake Sanderson Likely To Play In Saturday Opener After Senators Send Rookie Down To Belleville
- Story by
- Jake Sanderson Likely To Play In Saturday Opener After Senators Send Rookie Down To Belleville
The Ottawa Senators got some encouraging injury news on the eve of their 2026-27 NHL season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Defenceman Jake Sanderson is expected to play Saturday night, although his status won't be completely certain until the Senators see how he feels on game day.
Advertisement
Sanderson has missed a number of practices throughout training camp with an undisclosed injury. He returned to make his preseason debut against the Montreal Canadiens last Saturday, helped set up one goal, but left the game and did not return.
Though he was sent down on Friday, Hoyt Stanley was pleased earlier this week to make it through to the final 23 man roster (Senators YouTube).
Sanderson skated at practice on Friday and admitted it may take a little longer to get up to speed.
"Obviously, I've only played one period of preseason," Sanderson said. "I think, for me, I (need to) control what I can control, and that's my effort and my mindset, making sure I'm locked in."
Advertisement
Sanderson's expected return means rookie Hoyt Stanley has been returned to the Belleville Senators. Stanley was a surprise addition to Ottawa's 23-man roster, largely because of injuries to Sanderson and Artem Zub.
Zub isn't ready to return yet, but there was some encouraging news on that front as well. He is participating in practice again, although he remains in a yellow non-contact jersey.
There was also good news up front.
Warren Foegele will be in the lineup Saturday night after missing training camp following offseason surgery. After spending most of last season on the fourth line, he's expected to suit up tomorrow in a much better position to succeed alongside Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson.
Advertisement
Foegele says his mission is just to keep it simple. He's in the top six because newcomer Andre Burakovsky remains out. Like Sanderson, he also left last Saturday's game against Montreal with an injury, but was back at practice Friday. Like Zub, Burakovsky was wearing a yellow non-contact jersey.
So while the Senators aren't completely healthy heading into opening night, their injury situation is beginning to look a lot better than it did just a few days ago.
By Steve Warne The Hockey News Ottawa
This story was first published at The Hockey News Ottawa Senators site . For more from THN Ottawa, click one of the headlines below:
Hoyt Stanley's Surprising Selection To Senators' 23 Man Roster
Thomas Chabot Named Captain Of The Ottawa Senators
Steve Staios Provides Latest Injury Updates, Weighs In On Yakemchuk Readiness
