Thomas Chabot’s Ambitions to Break the Ice in the NHL Playoffs and Ottawa Senators’ Strategies for Success

QUEBEC CITY – Thomas Chabot is about to begin his seventh season in the NHL with the firm idea of ​​finally “breaking the ice” in the playoffs.

The big ambitions the star defenseman harbored for the Ottawa Senators a year ago are only more unshakable a year later.

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“I think this is our year,” he said as part of the Pro-Am Gagné-Bergeron, last Thursday, two days before his golf tournament in Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce.

“Last season, we fought until the very end, with only a few games to play. Unfortunately, that’s no excuse, but we were badly affected by the injuries in the final straight. »

Chabot was not spared as he was forced to miss the final 22 games of the campaign with a broken right hand.

“At the end of the day, it was banking experience,” continued the 26-year-old Beauceron, saying he was in perfect health. “It made us realize how difficult it is to get into the playoffs.

“On the other hand, it was ‘fun’ to see a team like the Florida Panthers, who qualified at the last minute, make it to the final. It proves that once in the playoffs, anything can happen. »

The Senators had to trade ace scorer Alex DeBrincat, now a member of the Detroit Red Wings. They closed the breach by getting Dominik Kubalik from the Red Wings and signing Vladimir Tarasenko, who finished last season with the New York Rangers.

“I was very close to Alex, he commented. This is the flat part of the “business” of sport. The welfare of his family was important to him. He will continue his career at home. He is not the first nor the last to do this. As a friend, I wish him the best of luck with the Red Wings. For our part, we have added pieces that will help us to be a better team. That’s what matters most. We are happy with the stadium we are in and we are looking forward to the start of the season. »

Another source of positivism for Chabot is the presence of defender Jakob Chychrun from the start of the season. Acquired from the Arizona Coyotes at the trade deadline, Chychrun fell in action a few weeks later, on March 23.

“The winning teams all have a very solid ‘top-4’ of defensemen, argued Chabot. With Jakob and Jake (Sanderson), who played with the confidence of a 10-year veteran in his first season in the National League, it solidifies our defense. We are really heading in the right direction. »

Again this season, the Senators will have to do battle in the very competitive Atlantic Division. At least they will no longer have Patrice Bergeron in their hands. The Boston Bruins captain has just bowed out. His departure will create a huge void at the center position of the NHL’s most valuable team in 2022-23.

“It will be nice not to have to face him again,” said Chabot, paying a nice tribute to his fellow Quebecer.

“His career speaks for itself. Beyond all these accomplishments on the ice, I had the chance to work with him during the summers in training at the PEPS at Laval University, he said. The way he behaves, the way he presents himself every day, he is the perfect example of a true professional. Being a young Quebecer, he is the model to follow. There is no finer career for a hockey player.

“Even today, we meet because he makes an exceptional gesture outside the rink. I am happy to be here and to be able to congratulate him on his fine career,” he concluded.

Article written with the collaboration of Sébastien Deschambault, Editorial Director NHL.com

2023-08-16 21:04:19


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