Chabot battling for a job
KEN WARREN
MONTREAL — Thursday represented more than just another audition for Ottawa Senators defenceman Thomas Chabot.
Despite growing up just outside of Quebec City as a Montreal Canadiens fan, always dreaming of playing in the National Hockey League, it marked the first time he had ever seen the Bell Centre.
“It is weird,” the 19-year-old defenceman said before boarding the afternoon train to Montreal from Ottawa with his teammates. “I’ve watched pretty much every game of the Montreal Canadiens, but I’ve never been there before.”
Chabot has a legitimate shot at earning a spot on the Senators opening day roster, despite having a year of junior eligibility remaining.
He was outstanding at the club’s rookie tournament in London earlier this month. In Monday’s pre-season opening 6-3 win over Toronto in Halifax, he delivered a mixed bag. He scored a goal and an assist, but took three minor penalties and was caught up the ice a few times.
That Halifax building wasn’t new to him. As a star with the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, he has often played against the Halifax Mooseheads.
Yet Thursday’s experience was all new to him. He had previously been to Montreal “a couple of times” but in one sense, it’s his family’s love for hockey that kept him from having the time to make a 31/2 hour pleasure trip to watch a Canadiens game live.
“During winters, my brother (he is four years older than me) was playing hockey and so was I,” he said. “So, I guess during weekends, we were pretty (busy), with my parents running around to all the arenas with us.”
You can excuse Chabot if he had a few extra butterflies playing in the hockey hotbed.
“For sure, I’ve watching Montreal playing,” he said. “To have a chance to play (here) is special.”
Chabot is not yet in do or die territory to make the team.
The Senators and Canadiens complete an exhibition game home and home series Saturday at Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators play the Jets in Winnipeg Monday, Toronto in Saskatoon on Tuesday and complete the exhibition schedule Oct. 7 at Canadian Tire Centre.
Just the same, it’s an agonizing time for any prospect trying to make an NHL squad.
Chabot is effectively battling Chris Wideman, Matt Bartkowski and Michael Kostka for a spot on the opening day roster. Wideman has a guaranteed NHL contract for $800,000. Kostka is on a twoway deal, paying him $800,000 if he’s in the NHL, $325,000 if he’s sent to Binghamton of the AHL. Bartkowski is attending camp on a professional tryout contract, guaranteed nothing.
Chabot, however, is trying to go about his smooth-skating business without worrying about what anyone else is doing.
“I’m not counting how many guys (are here), or the spot I’m in,” Chabot said.
“For sure, I’m thinking a little bit about it. It’s my dream to play in the NHL. I want to play here for sure, but I’m not spending just 24 hours everyday, thinking about whether I’m going to make the team or not.”
Whether he makes it or not, he’s nearing his goal.
“Since I’ve been five years old, I have been telling my parents I’m going to play in the NHL one day. I’m closer now than I was a couple of years ago.”
If Chabot doesn’t make it, there will naturally be plenty of disappointment.
There would be a bright side, though. Chabot would become a key member of Canada’s world junior team, playing ‘home’ games at the Bell Centre.