Phillips is expected to announce his retirement from Ottawa on Thursday, Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen reports.

EDGE Analysis

With the combination of age -- Phillips is 38 years old -- and lingering back issues, the 1996 No. 1 pick will hang up his skates to finish out a 17-year career with the team that called his name on draft day. The blueliner's last game played marked a milestone, as Phillips suited up for the most contests in Ottawa's history -- 1,179 career outings. The veteran finished his time in the NHL with 71 goals and 217 assists.

Phillips (back) confirmed that he will not return this season, Steve Lloyd of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Phillips was not expected back after struggling to make headway on a return from offseason back surgery. The next decision for the 38-year-old blueliner is if he will hang up his skates after 17 seasons in the NHL (all with Ottawa). The 1996 No. 1 pick has 71 goals and 217 assists in his career.

Phillips is not making much progress in his attempt to return from offseason back surgery and his career may be coming to an end, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Senators GM Bryan Murray said, "Chris is a ways away. He's trying really hard, he's in the gym and doing some skating but I would say, in my estimation, he's a longshot to come back." Phillips is a loyal member of the Sens, having spent his entire 17-year career with the Canadian team. Through 1,179 career games, the blueliner has netted 71 goals and set up 217 more. These days, his "real life" value is mostly tied to a leadership role for the team's younger defensemen.

Phillips (back) is still considered week-to-week to return to game action, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Phillips underwent surgery for a bulging disc in his back in April but has still yet to return to the ice. He will likely need several full practices under his belt before the club feels comfortable enough to slot the 37-year-old back into the lineup, so at this point he seems likely to be sidelined until at least the start of 2016.

Phillips (back) said last week that he's "turned a corner" in the recovery process, Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite the progress he's shown, Phillips isn't participating in training camp and likely will remain out for the start of the regular season, as he has yet to receive a timetable for his return. The veteran defenseman underwent back surgery in April after injury issues limited him to just 36 games in 2014-15.

Phillips revealed Saturday that he hit a roadblock in his recovery from a back injury and won't be ready for the start of training camp Sept. 17, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Phillips, who underwent surgery on his back in April, said he suffered a small crack in a disc while rehabbing. It may force him to effectively set the reset button on his recovery timetable, as the defenseman indicated that the setback was "significant," suggesting he won't be available for the start of the season. The 37-year-old won't be able to resume working out for three weeks, and his fragile health likely won't make him an integral part of the Sens' lineup once he's finally healthy again.

Phillips (back), who underwent surgery in the spring to address a bulging disc, is uncertain when he'll be cleared to resume hockey activities, Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Phillips was able to start skating again in mid-August, the first time he'd been on the ice since April. It appears the time off this summer has helped his ailing back, but with training camp just around the corner, it's not clear if he'll be ready to take contact by that time. Even if he's healthy for the start of the regular season, the 37-year-old isn't expected to enjoy a significant role on the Sens' blue line.

Phillips, who underwent back surgery about a week ago, is expected to make a full recovery in 4-to-6 weeks, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports. That puts Phillips on track to be back at full health by mid-June, well in advance of the start of training camp. The injury has kept Phillips out of the Senators' lineup since Feb. 5.

Phillips is slated to undergo back surgery Tuesday, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports. Per the report, Phillips is expected back for training camp. The veteran blueliner, who last suited up on Feb. 5, finished up the 2014-15 season with three assists in 36 games for the Sens.

Phillips (undisclosed) is not viewed as close to a return, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports. The Senators characterized Phillips' injury as "wear and tear" when he was first ruled out in early February, but with his absence now set to extend to over a month, it seems apparent he's dealing with something more serious. Regardless, even those in deeper leagues shouldn't wait around for Phillips' return, as the blueliner has only provided three points in 36 games this season.