The Ottawa Senators moved to clear roster space on Wednesday by placing defenseman Cameron Crotty on waivers, a step that all but confirms the imminent return of captain Thomas Chabot, via Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

The 29-year-old Chabot has been sidelined since suffering an upper-body injury in a mid-October game against the Philadelphia Flyers, and recent practices have shown steady progress.

He skated in a regular jersey with the main group earlier in the week, shedding the non-contact designation, and is expected to be available for Thursday’s contest against the Los Angeles Kings.

Crotty, a 27-year-old right-shot defenseman and Ottawa native, has served as organizational depth since joining the Senators on a two-year deal in 2025.

Originally selected 82nd overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 draft, he spent three seasons at Boston University under coach Albie O’Connell, finishing with 10 goals and 27 points in 102 games while posting a plus-11 rating.

After turning professional, he logged significant time in the American Hockey League with the Tucson Roadrunners and later the Iowa Wild before landing in Ottawa’s system.

His strongest AHL stretches came with Tucson, where he produced 26 points across 119 games in consecutive seasons.

In the NHL, Crotty has been used sparingly as an injury fill-in.

He has appeared in 11 career games across stints with the Coyotes, Minnesota Wild, and Senators, recording a single assist while averaging roughly 12 minutes and 34 seconds of ice time.

This season he dressed for three contests without a point, averaging just over 11 minutes. At 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds, he offers size and reliability in a limited role, but he has not established himself as a regular NHL contributor.

Given that modest track record, Crotty is widely expected to pass through waivers. Once eligible, he would rejoin the Belleville Senators in the AHL, remaining available if further injuries arise.

The move allows Ottawa to restore its preferred defensive alignment as Chabot returns.

Before the injury, the captain had contributed a goal and three assists with a plus-5 rating in the team’s first nine games.

His presence should strengthen the blue line as the Senators continue a western road trip and look to build on a solid early-season record.