Sanderson was injured last Wednesday in a victory over the Red Wings and won't play Saturday against Toronto.
Someday, when the tales of the Ottawa Senators' 2018-24 rebuild attempt are told around a campfire, the stories had better include some reference to injuries. This club never seems to be able to get itself to full strength – not for any meaningful amount of time.
With Anton Forsberg and Travis Hamonic officially cleared to play and back at practice on Thursday, it looked like the Senators might be on track to have a fully healthy lineup. That is, until it became clear that Jake Sanderson wasn't at practice.
Sanderson is out with a lower-body injury and isn't expected to play Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Sanderson was hurt and left last Wednesday's 3-2 overtime win over Detroit, but it wasn't due to a big collision or anything noticeable, prompting most observers to assume it wasn't serious. Perhaps it was something the team's ten-day break in the schedule might take care of.
Not so much.
Senators interim head coach Jacques Martin said Thursday he doesn't have any update on when Sanderson will even begin skating again.
"Hopefully, it's not too serious," Martin said.
Sanderson has 24 points in 47 games this season and has, arguably, been the Senators' most valuable defenceman. Hamonic will take his spot on the roster after being activated on Thursday.