Another tough blow for the Senators!

The Ottawa Senators have just been handed another terrible blow in the 2021-22 season. Defenseman Erik Brannstrom is believed to have suffered a broken hand, per TSN insider Darren Dreger. Further medical evaluation is required to determine the extent of the injury and recovery time.

This comes amidst a COVID outbreak in the Senators’ dressing room, which has several players sidelined for multiple games. On Wednesday, defenseman Josh Brown ws the latest Ottawa Senators’ player to enter the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol. Brown joins the likes of Austin Watson, Nick Holden, Connor Brown and Victor Mete, who have been placed in COVID protocol since the week started.

The Senators have been struggling and even canceled practice on Monday as a precaution.

The 22-year-old blue liner was recalled by the Senators back on Nov. 8. He has played in two games this season, but has yet to record a point. In 30 games with Ottawa last season, Brannstrom recorded two goals and 11 assists.

He was selected 15th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Draft. His name was mentioned a few times in trade chatter lately, though this new update might kill the rumours for now.