Senators’ Batherson likely sidelined at least two months with ankle injury

Senators' D.J. Smith confirms the devastating news that top scorer Drake Batherson will be out two months minimum, with a high ankle sprain sustained from the dirty Aaron Dell hit, says it doesn't matter whether the league suspended Dell.

Ottawa Senators coach D.J. Smith expects All-Star forward Drake Batherson to miss at least a couple of months after suffering a high ankle sprain on a controversial play on Tuesday night.

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Aaron Dell elbowed Batherson during the game, sending the forward crashing into the boards.

The NHL gave Dell a three-game suspension for interference on Wednesday.

After Dell settled the puck behind the net for defenceman Mattias Samuelsson to pick up in the first period, the netminder shielded Samuelsson as Batherson came chasing around the net. Dell then proceeded to elbow Batherson, sending him awkwardly feet first into the boards.

Batherson, the Senators’ top scorer this season, stayed on the ice in visible distress before going to the dressing room.

The NHL announced Wednesday that Senators forward Brady Tkachuk will replace Batherson in the All-Star game next month in Las Vegas.

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