Earlier this month, the Ottawa Senators brought back Dennis Gilbert from Philadelphia in exchange for Max Guenette, addressing several team needs. This move resolved the RFA contract dispute with Guenette, who then signed with Philadelphia, while strengthening Ottawa’s left side on defense. Despite strong performances from Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot, and Tyler Kleven, the team’s depth drops off significantly beyond them, leading to the use of right-handed defensemen like Gilbert to cover the left side.
Currently, Chabot is on injured reserve after a brief return from injury, with right-shot defenseman Nicolas Matimparo filling in on the left in recent games. On Saturday, Ottawa recalled Gilbert from their AHL affiliate, Belleville, considering two options: either allow Gilbert to replace Matimpalo in a lower defensive pairing to help players return to their natural positions or have him back up Kleven, who may be dealing with an injury after blocking a shot.
Gilbert is recovering from a knee injury sustained on October 29 during a game between Lehigh Valley and Laval. After the trade, he returned to play with Belleville on November 22, recording three assists in three games before his recent call-up. Over six NHL seasons, Gilbert has appeared in 111 games, tallying three goals and 20 points. Drafted 90th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015, he has also played for the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, and Buffalo Sabres.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 216 pounds, the 29-year-old defenseman fits Ottawa’s preference for size on the blue line and isn’t shy about physical play. Adding Gilbert also helps protect star forward Brady Tkachuk from unnecessary on-ice confrontations, especially as Tkachuk recovers from surgery on his right hand.
Fan Take: This reacquisition is a smart move by the Senators, offering depth and toughness at a crucial defensive position. For hockey fans, it signals Ottawa’s commitment to building a competitive and resilient team that can handle the physical demands of the NHL season.
