Is Chabot the next Karlsson?

Ottawa Senators rookie Thomas Chabot has the best role model in the NHL. The 20-year-old smooth skating defenseman will be fighting for a full-time roster spot with the Sens this preseason and if he needs any pointers he has one of the game’s best, team captain Erik Karlsson, at his disposal.

Karlsson, for what it’s worth, thinks the young Chabot is already ahead of the curve. “He is from Canada, he is more accustomed to the way things work than I was at the time,” he said after the Sens’ opening day of training camp. “I still think he’s probably further ahead than I was when I got here, which is always a good sign.”

With news now that Karlsson may miss the first month or more of the season, is Chabot a lock to make the opening day roster? Karlsson seems to think the youngster will have no trouble adjusting to the speed and physicality of the pro game. “Whenever he’s going to be able to take that next step, whether it’s now or in couple months or in a year, I think that however it plays out, he’s going to have every opportunity in the world to be a world-class player in this league,” said the captain.

Taken in the first round (18th overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Chabot had dominated the game at the junior level with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. After three consecutive 40+ point seasons and a league championship, there’s nothing left for Chabot to prove at the junior level. Look for him to take a big step in 2017-18 and establish himself as one of the NHL’s top young defensive players along with Boston Bruins rookie Charlie McAvoy and Columbus Blue Jackets defender Zach Werenski.