The Ottawa Senators are off to a terrific start in 2026-27 despite being shorthanded, sitting at 5-2-0 and tied for first in the Atlantic Division through seven games.

That's largely without star defenseman Jake Sanderson and entirely without reliable blueliner Artem Zub, who were key pieces of the Sens advancing to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last two seasons.

Reinforcements are on the way. As the Ottawa Citizen's Bruce Garrioch reported, Zub will suit up for his first game in 180 days against the visiting New York Islanders at Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday.

He hasn't played since suffering a knee injury against the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 1 of the 2026 postseason.

“It’s a long break for me,” Zub told reporters Thursday morning, per Garrioch. “It will be a little bit simple for me for the first couple of games. It’s tough. It’s actually been six months. I’ve spent a lot of time on the recovery, but I’m happy to be back.”

Zub is set to skate on the top pair with captain Thomas Chabot against New York.

Cameron Crotty will also return after spending time on injured reserve, while Sanderson was a full participant in Thursday's morning skate and could be an option as soon as Saturday against the Flyers in Philadelphia.

“He's close,” head coach Travis Green told reporters.

The Senators sent defensemen Hoyt Stanley and Jorian Donovan to AHL Belleville on Thursday morning to make room.

Meanwhile, forward Ridly Greig, who left Tuesday's 7-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues with a strain, will not miss any time and is good to go against the Islanders. He is expected to center the fourth line.

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In less positive news, William Eklund underwent surgery earlier this week to repair a torn tendon in his ankle. He is expected to miss 10-12 weeks, meaning he could return in late December or early January.

The Senators had hoped Eklund would help replace some of the offense lost when Brady Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in the offseason.

Ottawa has scored 20 goals in seven games, and getting closer to a healthy lineup would provide another boost as the club looks to build on its strong start.

Puck drop for Senators-Islanders is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Thursday night.