The Ottawa Senators’ blue line recently took a hit after the team lost shutdown defenceman Marc Methot to the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft. After attempting to snag him back via trade, the Golden Knights opted to move him to Dallas for goaltender prospect Dylan Ferguson and a 2020 second-round pick.
The loss of Methot is an especially big blow for the Senators, as he has been a reliable partner for two-time Norris trophy winner Erik Karlsson. Luckily for Ottawa, they have an extremely talented prospect who might eventually take his place. That of course, is 20-year-old defenceman Thomas Chabot.
The former Saint John Sea Dog was dominant during his time in the QMJHL last season. In 34 games, Chabot posted 10 goals and 35 assists en route to winning the league championship and being named the CHL’s defenceman of the year. Additionally, he was a key piece on Team Canada’s World Junior silver medal-winning squad.
At 6’2 188, the Ste. Marie-de-Beauce native appears to be ready to make his leap to the NHL. Well, that’s what Sens general manager Pierre Dorian believes at least.
When asked about the Defenceman, Dorion insisted that Chabot is ready to compete with the big boys.
Filling Methot’s shoes is a tall task for a player with zero NHL experience, so it might be a bit much to expect him to pair up with Karlsson right away. However, based on his progression, that time may come sooner than later. This is a storyline to follow throughout the offseason.
