Feb 4, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont (23) skates with the puck as Ottawa Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven (43) defends during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

nhl

Ottawa Senators Defenseman Tyler Kleven Sidelined Week-to-Week with Injury

Ottawa Senators’ blue-liner Tyler Kleven faces a week-to-week absence due to a lower-body injury, dealing a setback to the team's defensive depth.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven is set to miss an extended period due to a lower-body injury, as confirmed by head coach Travis Green on Monday. The team has officially listed him as “week-to-week,” and he will not accompany them on their upcoming road trip to Washington and Chicago.

The injury occurred during last Wednesday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets when Kleven delivered a hit on Mason Appleton, which led to a fight with Adam Lowry. As a result, he was sidelined for Saturday’s victory over the San Jose Sharks.

Senators’ Tyler Kleven Out Week-To-Week With Lower-Body Injuryhttps://t.co/HzC9554sC9
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) March 3, 2025

Kleven, a second-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, is in his first full season as an NHL regular. Until now, he had been a reliable presence on Ottawa’s bottom defensive pairing, making this his first missed stretch of the campaign. While his offensive production has been minimal—just two goals and two assists through 58 games—his physical play has been evident. He ranks third on the team with 76 blocked shots and has registered 70 hits.

Also Read: San Jose Sharks Place Henry Thrun on IR, Call Up Jimmy Schuldt from AHL

However, Kleven’s overall impact has been mixed. Despite being known for his defensive play, he has been deployed more frequently in the offensive zone at even strength. His possession numbers have struggled, with Ottawa controlling a higher percentage of shot attempts when he is off the ice. His -8.9 expected rating is currently the lowest on the team.

The Senators snapped a five-game losing streak with their win over San Jose, but their playoff hopes remain uncertain. With key forwards like Brady Tkachuk, Shane Pinto, and Joshua Norris returning from injuries, Ottawa’s main focus ahead of the trade deadline is strengthening their 24th-ranked offense. However, given Kleven’s absence and their already thin defensive depth, the team may also explore adding a depth defenseman if their salary cap allows.

Image Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

NHL

ottawa Senators

Tyler Kleven

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!