It's not the news fans of the Ottawa Senators were wanting to hear on Thursday morning. Head coach D.J. Smith announced that forward Drake Batherson has a high ankle sprain from Tuesday's hit by Buffalo Sabres goaltender Aaron Dell.
"You're looking at a couple months, for sure," Smith said about Batherson's recovery time.
During Tuesday's game, Drake Batherson went to skate behind Buffalo's net when Aaron Dell stuck out his elbow making contact with 23-year-old. Batherson fell to the ice, hurting his ankle. He left the game and did not return, while Dell didn't receive a penalty on the play.
Yesterday however, the NHL's department of player safety reviewed the incident and handed Dell a three-game suspension. It was the first time a goaltender has been suspended since 2007.
Batherson, a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana was on pace for the best season statistically of his young career. In 31 games, he has 34 points (13 G, 21 A), which ties his career-high he set during the 2020-21 season.
DJ Smith confirms its a high ankle sprain for Drake Batherson.
«You're looking at a couple months, for sure.» #Sens— Kyle Bukauskas (@SNkylebukauskas) January 27, 2022
