How a single defenceman became the cornerstone of an NHL franchise
In short: From a standout junior player to the captain of the Ottawa Senators, Thomas Chabot has navigated the intense physical and mental demands of professional hockey. His journey is defined by record-breaking offensive performances and an incredible ability to endure the heavy workload of a top-tier NHL defender.
Born in Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce, Canada, on January 30, 1997, Chabot's ascent began in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Playing for the Saint John Sea Dogs, he established himself as a premier talent, setting a franchise record as their all-time top-scoring defenceman on March 15, 2017. That same year, he earned the Guy Lafleur Trophy as the QMJHL playoff MVP and was recognized as the league's best defenceman and personality of the year.
His transition to the NHL with the Ottawa Senators was marked by rapid development. During the 2018–19 season, Chabot emerged as a breakout star, recording 14 goals and 55 points in 70 games. This performance placed him among the top ten scoring defencemen in the league and made him one of only three players under age 25 to reach the 50-point milestone. His impact was so significant that he was eventually signed to an eight-year, $64 million contract extension in September 2019.
However, the role of a primary defenceman carries immense physical costs. In the 2021–22 season, Chabot logged an average of 26:23 of ice time per game, the highest workload of any player in the league. This heavy usage, combined with various injuries—including a concussion in 2023 and a broken arm in 2026—has sparked debates among analysts regarding whether overuse has impacted his play. Despite these challenges, his leadership led to his appointment as the eleventh captain of the Senators on September 29, 2026.
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