Senators ‘hopeful’ they might have Karlsson back Saturday

Erik Karlsson didn’t suit up Thursday night against the Washington Capitals.

But the Ottawa Senators may not be without their captain for long.

Senators general manager Pierre Dorion told reporters the club is “hopeful” Karlsson, who is recovering from foot surgery he had in June, could make his season debut as early as Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings at home.

Karlsson, who was given Thursday off, will rejoin the Senators for practice Friday at the Canadian Tire Centre, and if all goes well then, he’ll play against the Wings.

The Senators would be happy to get him back.

“It’s day-to-day and hopefully the next game it’s reconsidered. He’s doing well and now it depends on how well every day,” coach Guy Boucher said Thursday morning. “He’s going to tell us and the medical staff will tell us.

“I’m hopeful every day. That’s where we’re at. It really is. Right now, we’re ready to go without him and it’s going to be difficult without him, but we had to deal with highend players missing last year, so it’s just an adversity to start the year.”

Karlsson was the club’s leading scorer last season and plays major minutes.

“It’s no secret he’s a huge piece of our team and a huge piece of our offence, so it will be nice to get him back for sure and the sooner the better,” said centre Zack Smith. “You don’t want to rush something like that. It’s pretty serious surgery and recovery.

“No one is ever at 100 per cent, but he’s a big part of the team and we’ve found ways in the past to fill in the (hole in the roster) while our big guys are healing or taking a few games off.”