Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson won’t play Wednesday night against the Buffalo Sabres, and coach Guy Boucher says he’s not expecting the defenceman to join the team for its final two games.
The Senators let Karlsson determine his playing schedule so he could be close to his wife after their baby was stillborn two weeks ago. Karlsson played the past four games after missing three of four.
Though he’s not anticipating Karlsson to play, Boucher says he’s holding onto the possibility of the two-time Norris Trophy winner rejoining the team before Ottawa closes its season Saturday at Boston.
Ottawa has been eliminated from playoff contention and plays Friday at Pittsburgh.
Karlsson’s future in Ottawa is uncertain. Though he has one year left on his contract, the Senators are unsure if they can re-sign Karlsson to a long-term extension. They attempted to trade him this year.
Boucher also announced goalie Mike Condon will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a concussion in practice Tuesday.
