Ottawa Senators: Who Comes Out Of The Lineup When Artem Zub Is Healthy?

Entering the season there were major questions surrounding whether the Ottawa Senators had enough depth on defence.

Well, not even one week into their season, Artem Zub sustained a concussion and has missed the past three games. This has caused Travis Hamonic to be elevated to a top-pair role and Jacob Bernard-Docker to be inserted as a regular in the lineup.

The questions were answered much sooner than anyone had hoped for.

However, the results have been relatively good compared to expectations. Hamonic, who had surgery in the off-season to get fully healthy and is playing alongside Jake Sanderson (a rising superstar) looks to be a much steadier player than last season.

Additionally, the bottom-pairing of Kleven and JBD has quieted all critics and appears to be using their chemistry from the University of North Dakota to not only survive in the NHL but thrive. Their combined lack of experience has not been detrimental at all.

Matter of fact, Kleven looks to be gaining confidence with every game, carrying the puck, instead of constantly dumping it in or chipping it off the boards. Whereas JBD looks quite comfortable, like the game has slowed down for him, and it appears he has taken another step in his development.

So this brings on a new question… who comes out of the lineup when Zub is healthy? Should it be the rejuvenated Hamonic or an impressive JBD?

The answer should likely be Hamonic, given the role they are both fighting for.

With Zub re-entering the top-four, this player needs to be able to play with Kleven and have positive results. Before being moved up with Sanderson, Hamonic was first placed with Kleven for a while, and the results were not great. It has been since the coaching staff made the switch that we’ve seen all of Hamonic, JBD, and Kleven have their best results.

Although Hamonic has had a great start to the season, he seems to be perfectly slated to be the 7th defenceman on this team – someone who slides into a sheltered top-four role when either Jensen or Zub need to miss time.

This would leave the Sens with the NoDak bottom pairing of Kleven and JBD for the foreseeable future… and until it proves to be too much for them, I would be very comfortable moving forward with:

• Sanderson - Zub

• Chabot - Jensen

• Kleven - JBD

• Hamonic

Now the only question that remains is who is the answer if someone goes down on the left side? Until then, ignorance is bliss and channel positive vibes.

Related: Former Ottawa Senator Writes Heartfelt Letter Announcing His NHL Retirement

Related: Former Ottawa Senators Winger Alex Formenton Reportedly "Moves on From Hockey Career"

Related: Former Ottawa Senator Goalie Gets Deal Worth $25 Million After Just 69 Career NHL Games