Senators Receive Concerning Injury News On Defenseman Ahead Of Camp
Per Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen, Zub is continuing to rehab the lower-body injury he suffered all the way back during Ottawa's first-round playoff series against Carolina, and he's reportedly expected to be ready for the start of camp.
Garrioch's reporting includes a real caveat, though: if Zub isn't fully healthy by then, the Senators could look toward professional tryouts to cover the gap.
Ottawa Isn't Just Assuming He'll Be Fine
Zub left Game 1 of that series early with an undisclosed injury and never returned, missing the rest of Ottawa's first-round sweep.
His extended recovery window appears to be more precautionary than alarming, and if he stays on schedule, he's projected to lead Ottawa's right-side defense again ahead of recently re-signed Jordan Spence and top prospect Carter Yakemchuk.
Steve Staios confirmed to Postmedia that Artem Zub is still rehabbing from the injury he suffered in the playoffs. Expects he will be fine for camp, but if he isn't ready, then the club will consider a PTO or two. Staios said there are a couple of players in that position. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) September 8, 2026
Still, the team is clearly building in a safety net.
Free agents like John Klingberg, Nick Blankenburg, and Logan Stanley remain available and could be candidates for a tryout deal if Zub needs more time, while prospects Hoyt Stanley, Tomas Hamara, and Christian Kyrou could see expanded opportunities in camp if the blue line needs reinforcements.
Losing Him Would Sting
Zub posted a career year in 2025-26, setting new highs with 30 points, including 25 assists, to go with 92 shots on net, 66 hits, and 120 blocked shots across 81 games.
He also led Ottawa's penalty kill with 228 minutes of shorthanded ice time.
Steve Staios confirmed to Postmedia that Artem Zub is still rehabbing from the injury he suffered in the playoffs. Expects he will be fine for camp, but if he isn't ready, then the club will consider a PTO or two. Staios said there are a couple of players in that position. Per… pic.twitter.com/ZJNewTfzD5
— R i N K Y (@RinkyReport) September 8, 2026
Zub's situation isn't the only piece of business hanging over the Senators right now. He's eligible to sign a contract extension before the September 15 deadline for maximum eight-year terms, alongside teammate Drake Batherson, though Garrioch has reported no specific whispers out of Zub's camp the way there have been with Batherson's.
