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Oct 26, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (72) gloves the puck defended by New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27) during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
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Thomas Chabot

Another Big Step for Thomas Chabot; Other News and Notes from Saturday's Practice

Thomas Chabot is nearing a return, while Tim Stutzle and Joonas Korpisalo were both absent from Saturday morning practice.
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After Friday's 5-3 loss to the Islanders, there were plenty of storylines from Saturday's Senators practice.

Thomas Chabot was able to shed his non-contact jersey. It was the first time Chabot has been able to practice and play through contact since fracturing his hand on October 26th against the Islanders. 

"He's not there; he's getting closer," head coach DJ Smith said. "Obviously, he's in the battle drills and doing all that stuff today, so I mean, it's a big difference if you know when he's able to play. I don't suspect he'll be ready Monday." 

Chabot wouldn't be able to play Monday night anyway. The Senators placed him on Long-Term Injured Reserve, which means he cannot play until at least 24 days or 10 games have passed. The Senators have only played nine games since Chabot's injury, primarily due to their Sweden trip. Thus, he's not allowed to play Monday against the Florida Panthers, even if he were healthy. Chabot can return on Friday when the Senators face the Columbus Blue Jackets.

As an aside, Chabot's return immediately removes the salary cap relief the Senators have been enjoying. So, this time next week, that will probably be a big story again.

Meanwhile, according to Smith, Tim Stutzle and Joonas Korpisalo were not at practice as they both had a scheduled maintenance day off. Smith added that there is hope for Korpisalo to skate tomorrow.

"That'll be up to the training staff to let me know," Smith said. "But it was scheduled that he would take today and then see how he feels for tomorrow, so we're hopeful he'll skate tomorrow."

Smith also mentioned that Ridly Greig is getting closer to returning from a high ankle sprain. Mark Kastelic has a similar injury and told the Hockey News today that some days are better than others, but the ankle has come a long way since it happened and hopes to be back soon.

The Senators host the Florida Panthers in the battle of the Tkachuk brothers on Monday night at the Canadian Tire Centre. Their father, Keith, has been in town since Friday and was at practice today.