Marc Methot weighs in on Thomas Chabot's future with Ottawa Senators

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified May 20, 2024 03:58 GMT

Former Ottawa Senators star Marc Methot has provided his insights on the future of defenseman Thomas Chabot within the club.

There have been reports that Senators GM Steve Staios is gearing up to make some significant changes to the team's blue line during the summer. According to Marc Methot, he's optimistic about the future of Thomas Chabot with the Senators.

Methot expressed his belief that Chabot is a team-oriented player and leader, and possesses a positive attitude. Methot also emphasized the importance of Chabot having a consistent defenseman partner and a full summer of proper training to enhance his performance.

Marc Methot reckoned the need for Chabot to focus on building strength and staying healthy, as he's entering his prime. The former Senators stars wrote on X (formerly twitter):

"I’m bullish on Thomas Chabot. He’s a team first guy, leader, and has a great attitude. I just think he needs a consistent D partner and a full summer of proper training. Get more strength on the bod. They need him healthy. At 27, he’s entering his prime and the team needs him. IMO."

Thomas Chabot was drafted No. 18 overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2015 NHL draft. He made his league debut in the 2016-17 season and has been with the club for the last eight years.

Chabot is signed to an eight-year $64,000,000 contract with the Senators, which was signed in 2019. He will become a UFA at the end of the 2027-28 season, at 31.

Marc Methot on the role of coaches in NHL

Marc Methot recently expressed his opinion, which may be considered unpopular by some. He reckoned that there is an excessive emphasis on head coaches in the NHL.

According to Methot, team success primarily relies on the leaders and core players rather than solely on the coach. He suggests that this is a commonly known fact, but not enough people discuss it.

Marc Method also points out that in the salary cap era, it may be easier for teams to address performance issues by replacing the coach rather than making significant changes to the roster.

"Unpopular(?) opinion, but there’s way too much emphasis on head coaches in the NHL. It’s ridiculous now. Team success hinges mostly on the leaders and core players. Everybody knows it, but not enough people talk about it. In the salary cap era, it’s just easier to dump the coach instead," Mar Methot wrote on X.

Methot had a long 13-year career in the NHL and played for the likes of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators, and Dallas Stars.