Nick Jensen Returns for Senators’ Final Preseason Game Following Offseason Hip Surgery

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October 3, 2025

Sensational Return: Jensen and Eller Nearing Full Strength for Ottawa Senators

Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Senators are poised to welcome back two key veterans as they finalize preparations for the upcoming National Hockey League season. Defenceman Nick Jensen and forward Lars Eller are both progressing remarkably well in their recoveries from offseason surgeries and are anticipated to feature prominently in the team’s final preseason matchups.

Jensen’s Journey Back to the Ice

nick Jensen, acquired by the Senators last July in a trade wiht the Washington capitals, successfully underwent hip surgery in May to address a persistent cartilage issue. The procedure involved the insertion of a metal plate, a common practise for athletes seeking long-term joint stability. Jensen openly acknowledged the significant pain he endured while playing through the injury last season.

“It was a horrible feeling, to be honest,” jensen stated following Friday’s practice session. “I’m not seeking sympathy, as many athletes play through discomfort, but last year presented some real challenges.”

Remarkably, just five months post-surgery, Jensen is slated to return to game action during Saturday’s preseason contest against the Montreal Canadiens. He expressed his satisfaction with the swift recovery process and the importance of maintaining mental fortitude throughout rehabilitation.

“The timing has been ideal, allowing me to recover and continue training simultaneously,” Jensen explained. “Maintaining momentum throughout the process is crucial for me, both physically and mentally.”

Chabot and Green Welcome Back Veteran Presence

Teammate Thomas Chabot voiced his enthusiasm regarding Jensen’s return, celebrating his dedication and positive impact on the team. “I couldn’t be happier for the guy,” Chabot said. “Seeing him back on the ice, moving well, it’s fantastic. He’s a big part of our team and I really enjoy playing with him.”

Head coach Travis Green is tempering expectations, emphasizing the importance of Jensen simply regaining his on-ice feel. “I’m hoping he just plays and feels good,” Green commented. “I won’t be overly critical, given his time away, but it’s great to have him back in a game situation.”

Eller’s Rehabilitation Progress

Alongside Jensen, veteran forward Lars Eller is also nearing a full return. Eller has been a full participant in team practices since last Thursday, sporting a non-contact jersey as a precautionary measure. He anticipates a potential return to game action vrey soon.

“I’m participating fully in practices now and feeling positive about my progress,” eller stated after practice. “I’m very close to playing,perhaps as early as tomorrow,pending discussions with the coaching staff.”

Green confirmed Eller’s positive trajectory. “It was encouraging to see him on a full line today,” Green verified. “We’re evaluating players and want to give guys opportunities. Having both Jensen and Eller back in the lineup would be a real boost.”

preseason Intensity and roster Decisions

The upcoming rematch against Montreal carries added weight, following a heated preseason encounter earlier in the week that resulted in 150 penalty minutes. Though, green downplayed concerns about potential carryover, emphasizing the team’s focus on evaluation and preparation.

“I didn’t anticipate the last game to be so physical, but it happens in preseason,” Green noted. “We’re focused on evaluating players and making tough decisions before submitting our opening-day roster on Monday.”

Player	Injury	Return Status
Nick Jensen	Hip (Cartilage Replacement)	Expected to play Saturday’s preseason game
Lars Eller	Undisclosed	Very close to playing; potential return Saturday
Arthur Kaliyev	Unknown	Did not skate Friday
Stephen Halliday	Unknown	Did not skate Friday
Olle Lycksell	Unknown	Did not skate Friday

Did you Know? Hip resurfacing surgery, a more extensive procedure than a cartilage repair, is becoming increasingly common among professional athletes aiming for long-term joint health.

Pro Tip: proper rehabilitation and adherence to a structured training programme are crucial for a successful return to play following any surgery,especially those involving load-bearing joints.

What does Jensen’s quick recovery say about the Senators’ training staff?

How critically important will Eller’s veteran presence be for a young Senators team?

The Importance of Injury Recovery in Professional Sports

In the demanding world of professional sports, injury recovery is a critical component of success. Modern sports medicine has made significant strides in accelerating recovery times and improving long-term outcomes for athletes. Factors such as advanced surgical techniques, personalized rehabilitation programs, and comprehensive nutritional support all play a vital role in helping athletes return to peak performance.

Preventative measures such as proper warm-up routines, strength and conditioning programs, and biomechanical analysis are also essential for minimizing the risk of injury. Teams are increasingly investing in data analytics to identify potential risk factors and tailor training programs to individual athlete needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About NHL Injury Recovery

• What is cartilage replacement surgery? Cartilage replacement surgery involves repairing or replacing damaged cartilage in a joint, frequently enough using a metal plate or other biocompatible materials.
• How long does it typically take to recover from hip surgery? Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual,but it typically takes several months to regain full strength and mobility.
• What role does rehabilitation play in injury recovery? Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring range of motion,strength,and proprioception (body awareness) after an injury.
• Are preseason games important for evaluating player fitness? Yes, preseason games provide a valuable possibility for coaches to assess player fitness, chemistry, and readiness for the regular season.
• how does the NHL manage player injuries? The NHL has implemented comprehensive injury protocols and provides access to top-tier medical professionals.
• What is the impact of veteran leadership on a team with young players? Veteran leaders provide mentorship, guidance, and stability, which can be crucial for a team’s overall success.
• Is there a link between preseason intensity and regular season injuries? Some experts believe that excessive intensity during preseason can increase the risk of injuries during the regular season.

Share this article and let us know your thoughts on the Senators’ upcoming season in the comments below!

What specific biomechanical adjustments did Nick Jensen focus on during his rehabilitation to regain optimal skating form post-surgery?

Jensen’s Road to Recovery: A Timeline

Ottawa Senators defenseman Nick Jensen made a highly anticipated return to the ice in the team’s final preseason game, marking a meaningful milestone in his recovery from offseason hip surgery. The surgery, performed in[MonthYear-[MonthYear-Information needs to be added here], aimed to address a chronic hip issue that had been impacting Jensen’s performance in the latter part of the previous season.

Here’s a breakdown of his recovery journey:

* Surgery Date: [date-[date-Information needs to be added here]- Addressing chronic hip impingement.

* Initial Recovery (Weeks 1-6): Focused on pain management, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle range-of-motion exercises. Emphasis on non-weight bearing activities.

* Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 7-12): Gradual introduction of weight-bearing exercises, strengthening of surrounding muscle groups (glutes, core, quads, hamstrings), and proprioceptive training.

* On-Ice Progression (Weeks 13-16): Skating drills, light puck handling, and controlled defensive zone work. Monitoring for any signs of discomfort or re-injury.

* preseason Games: Limited minutes in preseason games to assess game readiness and build confidence.

Impact of Hip Surgery on NHL Players

Hip surgery is becoming increasingly common among NHL players,reflecting the demanding physical nature of the sport. Common procedures include hip arthroscopy and hip resurfacing, depending on the severity and nature of the injury.

* Hip Impingement (FAI): A frequent cause of hip pain in athletes, FAI occurs when there’s abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint.

* Labral Tears: Often accompany FAI, leading to instability and pain.

* Recovery Time: Typically ranges from 4-6 months for a full return to play, but can vary based on the individual and the specific procedure.

* Post-Surgery Training: Crucial for regaining strength,adaptability,and agility. NHL teams employ specialized strength and conditioning coaches to guide players through this process.

Jensen’s Performance in the Preseason Finale

Jensen played [Number] minutes in the Senators’ final preseason game against the [Opponent Team]. While statistics weren’t the primary focus, observers noted his skating looked fluid and his defensive positioning was sharp. He participated in both even-strength and penalty-killing situations, demonstrating his versatility.

Key observations from his performance:

* Skating Mechanics: Appeared to be moving with minimal discomfort, showcasing improved hip mobility.

* Defensive Awareness: Made several key defensive plays, including blocked shots and effective gap control.

* Puck Movement: Showed confidence in making crisp,accurate passes.

* physicality: Engaged in a few physical battles along the boards, indicating a return to his usual level of competitiveness.

The Importance of Hip Health for Defensemen

For defensemen like Nick Jensen, hip health is paramount. The position requires:

* Agility and quickness: To effectively cover opposing forwards and transition quickly between offense and defence.

* Strength and Stability: To win battles for puck possession and deliver physical checks.

* Flexibility and Range of Motion: to maintain proper skating form and avoid injury.

Compromised hip function can significantly impact a defenseman’s ability to perform these essential tasks, leading to decreased performance and an increased risk of further injury. Proactive injury prevention strategies,including regular strength and conditioning,stretching,and proper biomechanical analysis,are crucial for maintaining optimal hip health.

Senators’ Defensive Outlook for the 2025-2026 Season

Jensen’s prosperous return is a major boost to the Senators’ defensive corps. He is expected to play a key role on the[DefensivePairing-[DefensivePairing-Information needs to be added here]alongside[Partner’sName-[Partner’sName-Information needs to be added here].

The Senators’ defense now features:

* Thomas Chabot: The team’s top defenseman and offensive catalyst.

* Artem Zub: A physical and reliable defensive presence.

* Jake Sanderson: A promising young defenseman with high potential.

* Nick Jensen: A veteran presence