Methot (illness) will not play Saturday against the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

With Methot under the weather, 25-year-old Chris Wideman will suit up for his first career NHL game. Methot will be afforded several days to shake the illness, with the Senators not playing again until Thursday.

Methot didn't play in either of the Senators' exhibition games Monday against the Maple Leafs due to an undisclosed injury, but was able to skate on his own, Ian Mendes of TSN 1200 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Methot, who underwent surgery on his elbow during the offseason, said the injury he suffered in Sunday's scrimmage was not a related setback, nor anything that figures to cost him much further time in camp. Since it seemed the Senators were just keeping Methot out for precautionary purposes, look for him to make his preseason debut at some point later this week. Methot is slated to skate with Erik Karlsson on the Sens' top defensive pairing this season.

Methot will require offseason surgery to address a bone chip in his elbow, TSN.ca reports. Methot, who also is slowed by a foot issue and hip-flexor injury, is set to undergo an MRI on his elbow before going under the knife. The blueliner, who missed the first two months of the season with a back issue, was a key contributor in the Senators' second-half turnaround, as reflected by his plus-22 rating over 45 games. He'll never be a huge source of offense for the Senators, but his solid play on the back end certainly doesn't go unnoticed by the organization, which rewarded Methot with a four-year contract extension in February.

Methot registered two assists and went plus-3 in Saturday's win over the Maple Leafs. Methot has now compiled a plus-6 rating over his last two games, vaulting him up to plus-17 for the season. The blueliner's return in January from a back injury has fortunately coincided with the Senators' vastly improved play since that time, which explains the impressive plus/minus mark. He should continue to be an asset in that category, but the point production figures to remain more scarce, as he typically plays more of a shutdown role to complement Erik Karlsson's free-roaming, puck-moving game.

Methot scored a goal, added an assist and went plus-3 in Thursday's victory over Montreal. A rare offensive outburst for the blueliner, who still has only eight points in 29 games this season -- but he has gone plus-12, and he offers some value in leagues that count hits and blocks.

Methot has agreed to a four-year extension with the Senators. According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the deal has an AAV of $4.9 million.The contract also includes a modified 10-team no-trade clause, per the organization. Methot's contributions generally come in the defensive zone, as he's chipped in 28 points over 92 games since the start of last season.

Methot gathered three helpers and two PIM in Saturday's 7-2 win over the Coyotes. Methot was largely at fault for the Sens falling into an early 1-0 hole, as he failed to catch a puck in midair that Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek scooped up for the score. However, Methot more than atoned for his error, tying his career high for points in a game while finishing as the leading scorer on the afternoon. The three-assist more than doubled Methot's point production from the other 10 games he's played this season.

Methot claimed an assist in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Maple Leafs. Finally healthy after missing most of the season with back issues, Methot has settled in on the Sens' top defensive pairing with Erik Karlsson. While there, he's played his usual stay-at-home role, as he's produced just two points and seven shots on goal in his nine games. Most of his contributions will likely come in the form of hits and blocked shots.

Coach Dave Cameron said that Methot (back) will return to the lineup Thursday against the Avalanche. With Methot experiencing no setbacks with his persistent back injury following his recently-completed conditioning assignment in the minors, he'll draw in for just his third appearance of the season. His shutdown abilities on the blue line have been missed by the Senators, but Methot hasn't ingratiated himself with fantasy players over his career due to his lack of offensive ability.

Methot (back) has returned from a conditioning assignement and will practice with the Senators on Monday. Methot reported to AHL Binghamton on Friday to start a conditioning assignment, and apparently the results were pleasing. He has played in just two games with the Senators this season due to back issues, but could be in line to return to the lineup as soon as Tuesday against the Flyers.