Sens send Chabot back to Saint John

If you haven't heard, the Ottawa Senators assigned Thomas Chabot back to the Saint John Sea Dogs on Wednesday.

Chabot has been with the Senators all season but appeared in just one regular season contest. A decision on the defenceman's playing future was expected to happen soon.

Here's Chabot speaking to the media today in Ottawa:

#Sens 2015 first-round pick Thomas Chabot addresses the media before returning to Saint John of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. pic.twitter.com/ACMY7wL7DP

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) November 2, 2016

And Senators general manager Pierre Dorion:

#Sens GM Pierre Dorion discusses the decision to return Thomas Chabot to the QMJHL and gives a few injury updates. pic.twitter.com/862rttc3pp

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) November 2, 2016

Chabot instantly makes the Sea Dogs significantly better - even though they have been fairly solid defensively without him. As a 19-year-old with NHL and world junior experience, Chabot should become one of the best players in the QMJHL and average around a point-per-game.

Presumably, Chabot will be with the Sea Dogs when they face the Titan in Bathurst on Friday night. Saint John will likely be without him again soon, as he'll no doubt join Team Canada for this year's World Junior Hockey Championship.

Chabot recorded 11 goals and 34 assists in 47 games with Saint John season. He added another three goals and 18 assists in 17 playoff games.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation