Chabot returns, Johansson to start against Kings.

For the first time this season, the Ottawa Senators will have their full complement of defencemen as captain Thomas Chabot returns to the lineup Thursday night against the Los Angeles Kings.

Chabot has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury. The 29-year-old will return to his usual pairing alongside Jordan Spence, while Tyler Kleven will skate with Nikolas Matinpalo.

The return of Chabot means Carter Yakemchuk will be a healthy scratch. Head coach Travis Green explained his decision to go with Matinpalo over Yakemchuk.

"LA is a big, strong team. They're heavy in front of the net, so that kind of based our decision on that."

It's a welcome development for a Senators team that has dealt with injuries on the blueline throughout the opening month of the season.

In goal, Jonas Johansson will make his third consecutive start. Johansson has enjoyed success against Los Angeles in his career, posting a 2-0-0 record against the Kings.

Ottawa's is 0-2-1 in it's last 3 trips to L.A. The Sens last win on the road against the Kings was November 27, 2022.

Foegele Sidelined, Hodgson Draws In

The Senators will be without Warren Foegele for what Green is calling "an extended period."

Foegele left Ottawa's game against the Vegas Golden Knights with what appeared to be a right knee injury and did not return.

Hayden Hodgson will draw into the lineup in his absence tonight.

Senators Lose Crotty on Waivers

Ottawa also lost some organizational depth Thursday when defenceman Cameron Crotty was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Wild.

Crotty had emerged as a reliable fill-in on Ottawa's blueline, making his departure a tough loss for the organization. The defenceman is returning to Minnesota, where he appeared in one game during the 2024-25 season.

It's the second time this season the Senators have lost a player on waivers. Goaltender Leevi Meriläinen was claimed by the Vancouver Canucks just before the start of the regular season.