Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson exited the game against the Kraken and did not return because of an upper-body injury (Image via Getty: Jake Sanderson) The Ottawa Senators have also been a big loser with the star defenceman Jake Sanderson being declared week-to-week after sustaining an injury during a recent game with the Seattle Kraken. The 23-year-old defenseman did not go back to the field after being heavily hit along the boards.The success of the Ottawa team this season has been largely due to Sanderson, who has racked up huge minutes and also played both ways on the ice. As the Senators are already trying hard to remain in the Eastern Conference playoff race, the loss of one of their defense leaders might have far-reaching consequences on the momentum of the team in the next few weeks.
Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson was injured after Brandon Montour hit him
The injury happened in the game Ottawa played against the Seattle Kraken when Sanderson was clumsily hit on the boards after being hit by Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour. Sanderson immediately skated off with his shoulder raised, which was alarming to the play, and went into the locker room.No penalty was called on the hit, but the effect seemed to be major. It is apparent that Sanderson felt uncomfortable and could not go on to finish the rest of the game, and some speculations were made prematurely on how serious the injury was.Later reports showed that Sanderson could have had a separated shoulder. Although the injury is not yet considered to need surgery, he is likely to miss time since the team will keep an eye on his recovery.This leaves the defensive unit of Ottawa in a big challenge since Sanderson is no longer playing. The Senators will probably have to rely more often on experienced defenseman Thomas Chabot and other blue-liners to play more ice time and be reliable at the back of the line.Sanderson has been having a breakout year; he has been delivering good offensive figures and has also been the leader in the defense of the team.As the schedule of the NHL shortens and the spots in the playoffs get harder to win, the Senators will wish that Sanderson could make a quick recovery that would see him back in the game before the push towards the playoffs gains traction.