Erik Karlsson set to return to action on Tuesday night against Vancouver

Ottawa Senators head coach Guy Boucher has announced that Erik Karlsson is ready to return to action. Karlsson will be suiting up for the first time this season against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night.

Ottawa Senators head coach Guy Boucher announced today that Erik Karlsson would be returning to action on Tuesday night against the Vancouver Canucks. Karlsson will be suiting up for the first time this season after undergoing surgery on his heel in the offseason.

Karlsson spoke today about finally being able to return to the ice:

"“It’s exciting. I think I had the appropriate time to get ready to play again. I’m probably going to be a little bit rusty but it’s better to get back into things as soon as possible.”"

Anyone who has paid attention to the NHL in the last few seasons is well aware of how dominant Karlsson has been, so the word “rusty” is a relative term. Karlsson’s version of being rusty is still very likely at an elite level of playing.

Senators head coach Guy Boucher also commented on the return and Karlsson as a player:

"“I think he’s the best player in the world. He has an impact on everything: breakouts, transition, [offensive] zone, powerplay, defensive play. He’s a leader. He’s a presence.”"

Despite his obvious importance and amount of impact he has on the Senators, they didn’t miss a beat without him. Performing well above expectations, they have yet to lose a game in regulation. The Senators also won all three games of their Western Canada road trip for the first time ever, and this was without Karlsson.

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In other related news to Karlsson returning, the Senators have reassigned defensive prospect Thomas Chabot to the Belleville Senators, their AHL-affiliate. Guy Boucher also confirmed that Craig Anderson will be starting in net on Tuesday night.