Senators defenceman Tyler Kleven (43) checks New Jersey Devils centre Angus Crookshank (36) in Ottawa on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
By The Canadian Press

Tyler Kleven set to return on defence for Senators in Game 3 against Hurricanes

Apr 23, 2026 | 8:51 AM

OTTAWA — The Senators are getting a key blue-line reinforcement.

Bruising defenceman Tyler Kleven will suit up Thursday with Ottawa down 2-0 to the Carolina Hurricanes in the teams’ first-round playoff series.

The 24-year-old spoke to the media following the morning skate for the first time since taking a puck to the face April 2 — an injury that cost him the final seven games of the regular schedule and two post-season contests.

Kleven has now skated in a regular jersey at three straight on-ice sessions with extra protection around his jaw.

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Head coach Travis Green added that Ottawa native Cameron Crotty will make his playoff debut on the back end. The 26-year-old has just eight games of NHL experience, including six with the Senators in 2025-26.

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The club is still without top-pair option Artem Zub after he was hurt in the best-of-seven opener against Carolina. Fellow defencemen Dennis Gilbert and Lassi Thomson will also sit for Game 3.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 23, 2026.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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