After tough injuries, Thomas Chabot returns to Ottawa Senators lineup

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As tough as it’s been at times for Thomas Chabot over the past couple of months, the Ottawa Senators defenceman has put it behind him and is focused on his return to the Ottawa Senators lineup — tonight.

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After finally shedding the non-contact jersey at Saturday’s practice, Chabot has the green light from doctors to return against the Buffalo Sabres tonight — in a 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve home game.

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“It’s been a tough stretch here the past two months — eight or nine weeks,” said Chabot Sunday morning. “I’m just excited to be back on the ice and playing with this group of guys. I’ve skated the last few days and everything’s gone well. I’ve tested every way possible to see if everything was all right. I’m good to go. I felt really, really good at practice (Saturday). That gave me the hint I was ready. I’m looking forward to playing one last game this year.”

After fracturing his hand in late October, Chabot returned a month later, after a 10-game absence. In his second game back early in December, Chabot got a skate caught in a rut and injured his leg.

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“I was on one leg and (my skate) got caught in the ice,” said Chabot. “My leg hyper extended so much, that caused my femur to hit my tibia and fractured it. It’s unlucky, but all you can do is move past it, get into the rehab and get in the right headspace.

“It’s been frustration and disappointment. But it’s part of the game, (injuries) are part of any sport. It’s just the timing. You go through one rehab, play two games and feel great. You think you’re back for good and next thing you know, halfway through the second game, that happens. It’s hard mentally. You’re right back on the rehab program. The guys keep on playing and you’re back on your own schedule. It’s never easy, but you have to put your mind to it and get back in the right place.”

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It hasn’t been easy watching his team struggle. While he was gone, head coach D.J. Smith was fired and replaced by Jacques Martin. And, now, the Senators push into 2024, hoping to get some momentum from what’s been a disappointing start to the 2023-24 season.

“Like I said with my first injury, there’s nothing worse when the team is struggling than sitting in the stands watching,” said Chabot. “It sucks, it’s that simple. You want to be there with the group.

“There have been some highs and some lows, but that’s sports in general. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead of us. We have a great group of guys here who to want to win games for this city and for this organization.”

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