Ottawa Senators defenceman Nick Jensen, who played a role in helping the team reach the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2018, is reportedly dealing with lingering physical issues.
Speaking to reporters on Friday at the team`s annual charity golf event, General Manager Steve Staios confirmed recent reports stating that the blueliner underwent hip surgery.
During the past season, Jensen appeared in 71 regular-season games for the Senators, recording 21 points (three goals, 18 assists) and finishing with a plus-18 rating.
Staios did not disclose specific details about the injury or the surgical procedure but noted that there is currently no established timeline for Jensen`s recovery and potential return to the ice.
According to a report from the Ottawa Citizen by Bruce Garrioch, Jensen carefully evaluated his available options and ultimately decided that surgery represented the most beneficial course of action for his situation.
The 34-year-old was a consistent presence on the Senators roster throughout the 2024-25 campaign, ranking eighth on the team in both total and average ice time (20:13), and finishing fifth in blocked shots with 95.
Despite seemingly being hampered by the injury during the post-season, Jensen participated in all six games of the Senators` first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He finished fifth in average ice time for the team (20:56) and eighth in blocked shots (4) in that series, though he did not register any points.
“Nick is an absolute warrior,” Staios commented last month during the team`s end-of-season media availability. “To be able to continue to perform at the level he did while managing the injury he was dealing with truly speaks to the individual`s character.”
Duncan Priestley