Thomas Chabot dazzles in win against Maple Leafs

Welcome to the Thomas Chabot show.

The young 21-year-old blueliner dazzled in a win against the Maple Leafs on Saturday, scoring two gorgeous goals, adding an assist, recording a plus-4 rating and firing five shots on goal. In two games with Ottawa this season, Chabot leads the team in scoring with five points.

You couldn’t have drawn up a better start to a sophomore campaign for Chabot, who is projected to be a very important player on Ottawa’s blueline with the departure of Erik Karlsson to the Sharks.

Here’s a look at his first goal against Toronto:

While Chabot showed off a slick move and persistence on his opening goal, his second goal of the night — the game winner — was even nicer.

Chabot broke a 3-3 tie with his second goal of the game 1:42 into the third period when he burned Toronto rookie Igor Ozhiganov with a filthy move off the rush and beat goaltender Craig Anderson upstairs.

Chabot was a workhorse for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship and is well on his way to establishing himself at the NHL level.

Nobody expects Chabot to be the next Karlsson, but he’s a going to be a very special player and a treat to watch develop.

There’s alot going wrong in Ottawa right now, but if Saturday is any indication, there’s certainly some reason for optimism.