Injury sidelines Phaneuf
Dion Phaneuf didn’t make the trip here and there’s no word on whether he’ll be back for Saturday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Or even if he’ll be back again this season.
“I haven’t got the (injury) report yet, so I can’t report on whether it’s day-to-day or longer,” Senators coach Dave Cameron said before Wednesday’s game against the New York Islanders.
Phaneuf had been bothered by an undisclosed lower-body injury in the past few games and left Tuesday’s 4-2 loss against Washington early. While the Senators recalled Freddy Claesson from Binghamton of the AHL to replace Phaneuf against the Islanders, the loss of the vet- eran defender will be a big hit — and take big hits out — of the Senators lineup.
Since Phaneuf was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Feb. 9 blockbuster deal, the Senators have gone 9-8-2.
The re-appearance of Claesson allows the Senators one more look at the 24-yearold defenceman, who went pointless in an eight-game stint with the Senators in December and January. Claesson, due to become a restricted free agent in the summer, has scored three goals and seven assists in 55 games with Binghamton.
Claesson says it has been a long, difficult season with the struggling B- Sens, but he wants to make sure he does everything possible to showcase himself as the season winds down.
After spending four seasons in the AHL, Claesson could return to Sweden next season unless he receives a guaranteed NHL contract.
Claesson saw some time with Erik Karlsson in his first recall from Binghamton and also began Wednesday’s game paired with the fellow Swede.
The expectation is for Claesson to be a steady defender. In his first trial in the NHL, Claesson started strong, but dipped defensively as the games built up.
“(Make a good) first pass,” said Cameron. “Just getting the puck, keeping it moving. Good gap, good positioning. He handled himself really well in his last call-up and he’s continuing that play in Binghamton.”