Senators Announce Unfortunate Jake Sanderson Injury Update Before Game 4 vs. Hurricanes
The Ottawa Senators will enter Game 4 without their top defenseman after confirming Jake Sanderson is out with a concussion. The update comes at a critical time, with Ottawa trailing 3-0 against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first-round series.
Sanderson suffered the injury during Game 3 after a high hit from Taylor Hall early in the second period. The hit knocked off his helmet and resulted in a minor penalty. He briefly returned for two shifts before leaving the game for good.
Head coach Travis Green shared a concerning update on Friday. "He's not doing very well," Green said, confirming Sanderson remains in concussion protocol and will not play.
Insider Elliotte Friedman also reported that defenseman Artem Zub will miss Game 4.
"Green said Sanderson won't play tomorrow and neither will Zub," Friedman posted on X.
Green said Sanderson won't play tomorrow and neither will Zub https://t.co/uP6a8yUQE2
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 24, 2026
Green also expressed frustration with how the play was handled. He said he was "shocked" that there was no supplemental discipline for Hall. Ottawa believed the hit deserved a major penalty and further review. However, no hearing is expected.
The loss of Sanderson is a major setback. He led Senators' defensemen with 54 points in 67 games and logged heavy minutes all season. His absence leaves a gap on both ends of the ice, especially with Zub also unavailable.
Ottawa already struggled in the series, including a 2-1 loss in Game 3. Jackson Blake scored the winner, while Frederik Andersen made 21 saves.
Now facing elimination, the Senators must respond without two key defenders. Captain Brady Tkachuk has said, "We've never quit all season … got to step up to the occasion."
However, the challenge has grown steeper.
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 1:58 PM.