Ottawa Senators defenceman Artem Zub was forced out of their series-opening game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday and was replaced by Jordan Spence on the top defence pairing, per The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie.
Artem Zub has left the game. I don’t see him on the bench. Jordan Spence has taken his place alongside Jake Sanderson.
— Julian McKenzie (@jkamckenzie) April 18, 2026
It is unclear if Zub suffered an injury or not prior to leaving the game. He finished the day with 7:44 of ice time in 11 shifts with three hits.
The Senators were already down one defenceman, as Tyler Kleven was unable to skate in the series opener.
Kleven skated in practice before the game, and head coach Travis Green told reporters that he may be ready to go later on in the series.
Ottawa is seeking its first playoff series victory since the 2017 playoffs, when the team made it to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven games.
