Clarke MacArthur met with the media in Ottawa this morning and he’s making it abundantly clear that he’s still aiming to get back in the line-up this season.
And while it remains a longshot that he’ll actually play games in the regular season and playoffs, MacArthur is clearly motivated to at least make him self available down the stretch.
It’s a surprising turn of events when you consider where we were just three months ago. When MacArthur failed his baseline test at the end of January, everyone assumed that was it for him for this year. And possibly beyond that. But to MacArthur’s credit, he never gave up. The news that he didn’t pass the test came as a disappointment obviously but he was back on the ice a couple weeks later.
MacArthur is expected to talk to the Doctors soon and attempt the baseline test sometime in the next couple weeks. If he passes, he’d be available to play. At that point it would be up to the team’s coaches and management to decide if he actually gets into a game. A few hurdles left to clear obviously but the fact that we’re even still having this conversation speaks to Clarke’s incredible work-ethic.
Today’s news is drawing a predictably mixed reaction from the fan base but it’s impossible not to respect how hard this guy is working to pull that jersey on again.
His full media availability can be seen below.
News and Notes
-Pierre Dorion spoke to the media this morning and provided some additional details on what are ongoing negotiations with Colin White. While the organization is thrilled to have him locked up to an ATO and formally committed to the organization, it’s clear that the talks about an entry level contract are continuing. White is expected to suit up for the Binghamton Senators on Wednesday and both Dorion and Randy Lee will be keeping a close eye on his progress. If he performs well in the American Hockey League, there’s certainly a chance he could be signed to an NHL contract and called up down the stretch.
-On the injury front, Viktor Stalberg was back on the ice for practice this morning and sounds like he could be available for tomorrow night in Philadelphia. The team still doesn’t have an update on Marc Methot but it’s still a week to week scenario rather than day to day. They are hoping to find out more on his timeline to return in the next few days.
-Craig Anderson was named the team’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Award this morning and he has to be viewed as one of the favourites to win the award at the end of the season. Nicholle Anderson’s courage and strength in her fight has been an inspiration for everyone and Craig’s ability to somehow remain focused on his job during a difficult time away from the rink has been remarkable. Earlier today, Craig Anderson spoke to the media about the nomination and about his season to this point
