Morning Notes: Karlsson, Sanford, Rooney

Erik Karlsson is the key to the Ottawa Senators, and with him still nursing an injury the team may get off to a rough start. Emily Sadler of Sportsnet broke down a Pierre Dorion interview, in which the Senators’ GM talks about a hopeful October return for the team captain.

If Karlsson doesn’t get back into the lineup quickly, the Senators will have to rely on other players to step up into a bigger role. One of the possibilities is Thomas Chabot, who has impressed in camp and looks about as ready as you can be to jump into the NHL. Chabot, one of the premiere prospects in the entire league, plays a different game than Karlsson and is left-handed, but has had a positive impact almost every time he’s touched the ice. The Senators play a very structured defensive system, and if he can familiarize himself quickly he could be an elite possession player right away.

• Zach Sanford underwent successful surgery on his shoulder yesterday, and will be out the expected five to six months. Blues fans had hoped Sanford would push for a full-time spot this season after coming over from the Washington Capitals in the Kevin Shattenkirk deal, but will be out for most of the season after dislocating his shoulder this summer. The 22-year old scored five points in 13 games down the stretch for the Blues, but will have to fight to get back into the lineup in 2018.
• The New Jersey Devils have recalled Kevin Rooney from Binghamton, in what was essentially a paper transaction. Though Rooney was sent down yesterday, he never actually left camp and will likely suit up for the Devils tonight against the Washington Capitals. He won’t crack the opening day roster, but there is potential for Rooney to see some time with the big club at some point this season. He made his NHL debut last year, but was held scoreless through four games.