Karlsson missed the first five games of the season, but took off his no-contact sweater on Monday and skated alongside Dion Phaneuf in practice. After the session Karlsson confirmed that he will make his season debut on Tuesday. The Senators have yet to lose in regulation (3-0-2) and getting their captain back will be a massive boost. Karlsson is coming off of a season in which he recorded 17 goals and 54 assists (71 points) in 77 contests.
Karlsson has missed the first five games of the season as he recovers from offseason foot surgery, but he was cleared for contact and skated as a regular in today’s practice which suggests his season debut is just around the corner. The Senators have done a really good job without their captain, starting 3-0-2 and winning all three of their contests on their recent three-game western Canada road-trip. Ottawa hosts the Canucks tomorrow and it looks like Karlsson will be ready to go.
Girard was a second-round pick (no.47 overall) in 2016 and will make his NHL debut after playing just six professional games (AHL) last season. Girard is undersized (5-foot-10 / 162 lbs) but has a lot of offensive flair—he recorded 75 points (9G / 66A) in 59 games with Shawinigan (QMJHL) last season. Girard will likely be replacing Roman Josi, who is dealing wth an undisclosed injury.
Karlsson was on the ice for the Senators morning skate, but did so in a non-contact sweater. Karlsson is nearing his debut, but it doesn’t sound like he will travel out west on the Senators’ three-game road trip.
Acciari fractured his finger during the second period of the Bruins’ opening night win over the Predators. The 25-year-old will be sidelined until approximately mid-November and his injury opens the door for Austin Czarnik to get into the lineup on Saturday.
Karlsson has been practicing and playing on Thursday seemed like a distinct possibility, but he told reporters that he “most likely I won’t play Thursday.” However, is not expected to be sidelined for too many games, so draft him as you would.
Karlsson skated for the first time since undergoing foot surgery this offseason on Saturday, but was given Sunday and Monday off. Despite returning to the ice, the Senators still have not put a timetable on Karlsson’s return, but one has to believe that he has a chance to be ready for the season opener on October 5th.
Acciari, 25, is a hard-hitting bottom-6 forward who had five points (2G / 3A) in 29 games with the Bruins and added 14 points (6G / 8A) in 30 AHL games with Providence. Acciari will likely break training camp in a Boston uniform.
