Thomas Chabot is, indeed, still with the Ottawa Senators.
It certainly doesn't seem like he's there, with the Sens dressing Chabot for just one of the team's eight games. Chabot's only game time this season came on Oct. 18 against Arizona, playing just 7:09.
While it seems inevitable that Chabot will be sent back to the Saint John Sea Dogs at some point, TSN's Bob McKenzie explains that it is still not a sure thing:
The Sens view Chabot as their seventh-best defenceman and have been keeping him around for a couple of reasons. One, because, for now anyway, he is benefitting from practising and training with NHLers. Two, because if one of their top six defencemen were to get injured or struggle, he's the organization's next best option.
But the Sens also know the longer he goes without seeing game action, it can be a liability to his development. So Sens' management is likely to be more finely tuned to that situation in the next week or two, with the thought being he may ultimately end up back in junior.
More at TSN.ca.
Ottawa plays three home games against bad teams (Carolina, Vancouver and Buffalo) this week, so Chabot could see some ice time again soon.
If Chabot is to be returned to Saint John, it's still difficult to say when he'll be back. He could be back this week, next week or not until after the World Junior Hockey Championships (which, you have to assume, whether he's in Ottawa or Saint John, Chabot will be playing in).
The good news for the Sea Dogs is that they've been playing fairly well without him. If/when Chabot is returned, it will be like acquiring one of the league's best players for free.
Also good news for Saint John: McKenzie notes that it appears Shawinigan's Anthony Beauvillier will be sticking with the New York Islanders for the season.
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