The Ottawa Senators have recalled defenseman Dennis Gilbert from their AHL affiliate in Belleville on an emergency basis, allowing him to suit up for tonight’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. This move comes as the Senators look to maintain a healthy defensive lineup, with Gilbert’s recall not counting against the team’s allotted post-trade deadline recalls.
Injuries Narrow Ottawa’s Defensive Options
Following the trade deadline, the Senators had seven defensemen on their roster. However, Nikolas Matinpalo has been sidelined for the past five games due to an undisclosed injury and remains listed as day-to-day without any recent updates. Additionally, Jake Sanderson, a key left-shooting defenseman, left Saturday’s victory over the Seattle Kraken early in the second period after suffering a suspected right shoulder injury from a hit delivered by Brandon Montour. Ottawa has yet to provide details on Sanderson’s injury assessment or expected return, partly due to the team’s decision to skip practice yesterday, as reported by Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen.
Dennis Gilbert’s Journey with Ottawa and Professional Background
Dennis Gilbert, 29, is returning to the Ottawa Senators for the second time within the past year. The Senators have reacquired him twice in nine months—the first occasion was at last year’s trade deadline when the team obtained him from the Buffalo Sabres in the exchange involving Dylan Cozens and Joshua Norris. Afterward, Gilbert signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers but did not play in any regular-season games before Ottawa reacquired him in November for the rights to Max Guenette after he cleared waivers.
Career Overview and Current Performance
Originally drafted in the third round by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015, Gilbert has appeared in 112 NHL games across seven seasons with multiple teams, including Chicago, Calgary, Colorado, Buffalo, and Ottawa. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 216 pounds, Gilbert is recognized for his defensive play and has played more than 20 games in three consecutive seasons from 2022 to 2025. However, he seems increasingly positioned as a depth player moving between the NHL and minors. This season, Gilbert has contributed 12 assists and accumulated 27 penalty minutes over 31 games played for Belleville, while holding a minus-1 rating.
Significance of the Recall for Ottawa’s Defense
Gilbert’s emergency recall highlights the Senators’ need to address unforeseen injury challenges in their defensive corps as they prepare to face the Canucks. His experience and familiarity with the organization should provide stability amid uncertainties surrounding Matinpalo and Sanderson’s availability. The recall underscores the ongoing challenge NHL teams face managing roster depth post-deadline, especially when key players are sidelined during critical stretches of the season. Ottawa’s ability to maintain a competitive defensive unit in upcoming games may depend on how quickly injured players recover and how effectively Gilbert can integrate back into the lineup.
