Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

That’s definitely the case for the Ottawa Senators and veteran blueliner Thomas Chabot.

Yes, Jake Sanderson is the club’s best defenceman, but on a lot of nights the Senators’ alternate captain is a minute-muncher on the back end, the straw that stirs the drink and a key element to the success the club has when it plays a strong defensive game.

As the Senators embarked on a three-game trip on Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the 28-year-old Chabot didn’t accompany the club and won’t suit up anytime in the near future as he gets fully recovered from what is believed to be a core muscle injury.

“There’s not a big update,” Ottawa coach Travis Green said before the club left on Wednesday. “I don’t expect him to play on this trip.”

Ever

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