Senators’ Zaitsev has returned to Russia for personal reasons

The Ottawa Senators had no other choice but to promote defenseman Christine Jaros to the big club on Friday as head coach D.J. Smith confirmed that Nikita Zaitsev would miss tonight’s matchup against the Rangers in New York City. 

Smith has revealed that Zaitsev was forced to return back to Russia for personal reasons. 

On top of that, blue liner Cody Goloubef will also be out of the lineup, he with an undisclosed injury. 

23-year-old Jaros was pressed into action in 61 NHL games last year, but remained in the American Hockey League at the start of this season. With Belleville, he has posted one goal, five assists and four PIM in 14 contests. 

He should be sent back down once Goloubef feels better and Zaitsev returns from Russia. 

Here is a first look at your projected lineup for tonight’s game in the Big Apple: 

Paul- Pageau- Brown 
Tkachuk- L Brown- Duclair 
Ennis -Tierney -White
Chlapik- Beaudin- Veronneau

Smith added that fans will see different defensive pairings in action. Anders Nilsson is expected to get the start in between the pipes.