Ottawa Senators star defenseman Jake Sanderson has a concussion and won't play in Saturday's do-or-die Game 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes, head coach Travis Green announced Friday, according to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.
Green said Sanderson is "not doing well" after a hit to the head from Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall in the second period of Thursday's Game 3.
Hall catches Sanderson high and he responded. Second powerplay for Ottawa... #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/TtZG8msPmH
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) April 24, 2026
Hall was given a two-minute minor for the hit and isn't expected to face any supplemental discipline. Green was surprised to learn Hall won't face a hearing, according to Garrioch.
After the Game 3 loss, the Senators coach said he didn't understand why Hall didn't receive a five-minute major.
Sanderson is Ottawa's top defenseman. He missed 13 games late in the regular season due to an upper-body injury but still managed 54 points in 67 contests. The 23-year-old won an Olympic gold medal with the United States in February.
Senators defenseman Artem Zub, who was hurt in Game 1, also won't be available Saturday.
Game 4 is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET Saturday in Ottawa.
