Drake Batherson will be out of the Ottawa Senators lineup for the foreseeable future.
According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, Batherson will miss at least two months with a high-ankle sprain.
This injury comes as a result of Batherson falling into the boards after Buffalo Sabres goaltender Aaron Dell interfered with him as he was skating full speed to chase an opposing defender behind the net. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced on Wednesday that Dell was suspended for three games for the hit.
While the Sens aren’t a competitive team this season, this is an unfortunate break for a young player putting together an excellent season.
Batherson was in the midst of a breakout campaign. He already matched his career-high in points with 34 through just 31 games this season. He was also set to play in his first NHL All-Star Game, but the injury will keep Batherson out of the festivities. Brady Tkachuk will represent the Senators in his place.
Ottawa drafted Batherson in the fourth round of the 2017 draft. Through 130 games in the NHL, he has 36 goals and 87 points.
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