The injury woes continue for the Senators as Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch relays that center Lars Eller has been ruled out for the remainder of their road trip and that he’s expected to miss extended time. To add some extra forward depth to their roster ahead of today’s matinee against Minnesota, the team announced that they’ve recalled winger Olle Lycksell from AHL Belleville.
Lycksell has been up and down this season between Ottawa and Belleville, not getting a chance to play much at either level. The 26-year-old has played in six NHL contests, picking up one goal and nine shots on goal while averaging a little over 10 minutes per night. For his career, his production at the top level has been rather limited as he has two goals and ten helpers in 51 appearances; the others coming over parts of three seasons with Philadelphia.
Lycksell has been more productive with Belleville, however, tallying six points in nine games with them including four in his last four outings this month. It’s unlikely that he’ll have a chance to play the same role with the big club, however, as he’ll likely be on the fourth line if he gets a chance to get in the lineup.
As for Eller, the veteran is dealing with a lower-body injury. He has played in 28 games with the Sens this season, his first with them after coming over in unrestricted free agency on a one-year deal. The 36-year-old has two goals and four assists while also winning over 60% of his faceoffs, a career-best rate. Ottawa is second in the league in team faceoff percentage, so losing him will certainly be a damper in that category.