Senators’ Artem Zub returns to lineup vs. Islanders

Ottawa Senators' Artem Zub shoots during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (Jeff Dean/AP)

The Ottawa Senators are going to get a big defensive boost when they host the New York Islanders on Thursday.

Defenceman Artem Zub, who has been sidelined since mid-October with a lower-body injury, will be returning to the lineup, head coach Travis Green confirmed on Thursday.

The 29-year-old hasn’t played since Oct. 14 against the Los Angeles Kings, when he suffered an injury following a big hit.

He will slot alongside Jake Sanderson on the top pair, while Travis Hamonic reunites with Tyler Klevin on the bottom defensive pairing.

The undrafted, right-shot defenceman has spent his entire career with the Senators since making his debut in the 2020-21 season, with 17 goals and 54 assists in 253 total games.

Green also confirmed that backup Anton Forsberg will get the start at Canadian Tire Centre, where the Senators have a 5-1-0 record.

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