The Ottawa Senators are facing a significant setback as veteran forward David Perron is set to undergo surgery for a sports hernia. This procedure will keep him off the ice for an estimated five to seven weeks. The announcement, made by head coach Travis Green, sheds light on an injury Perron has reportedly been managing for some time, impacting his performance. In response to Perron's absence, the team has moved to bolster its roster by recalling Stephen Halliday from their American Hockey League affiliate, Belleville.
Perron's Injury Forces Roster Change for Senators
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the Ottawa Senators confirmed that David Perron, their experienced forward, will undergo surgery to address a sports hernia. This medical intervention is expected to render him unavailable for a period of five to seven weeks. Perron, at 37 years old, has contributed 25 points to the team this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists across 49 games. His extensive career includes 809 points (329 goals, 480 assists) over 1,223 games with multiple NHL franchises, including a Stanley Cup win with the St. Louis Blues, who drafted him 26th overall in 2007. To fill the void left by Perron, the Senators have promoted Stephen Halliday from Belleville of the American Hockey League. The 23-year-old Halliday has registered six assists in 18 appearances with Ottawa this season and an impressive 26 points (two goals, 24 assists) in 22 games for Belleville.
This news underscores the demanding physical nature of professional hockey and the impact injuries can have on a team's dynamics. Perron's long-standing experience and offensive capabilities will be missed. However, it also presents an opportunity for younger talent like Stephen Halliday to step up and prove their mettle at the NHL level. The Senators' ability to adapt and maintain competitive performance during Perron's recovery period will be a critical test for the team's depth and resilience.