MacArthur still hopes to return this season
Clarke MacArthur refuses to let the dream die.
The Ottawa Senators forward was very vocal on Monday, stating that he still hopes to play in a couple games before the season is out.
"I’m always holding out for this year. I could care less about next year," MacArthur said, according to TSN's Ian Medes. "I’m only training like this and doing what I’m doing now for this year. Next year is next year. I’m going to do anything I can to get back in and if they clear me, I’ll be ready."
MacArthur has been practicing with the club, but has missed nearly two full campaigns after suffering a concussion four games into the 2015-16 season and another during a practice in training camp this past September.
Back in January, MacArthur took a step back in his recovery when he failed his baseline test which saw the team shut down the 31-year-old and state he would not play this season. Nevertheless, MacArthur remains confident that he would be able to join the team during their upcoming four-game road trip, which kicks off Tuesday in Philadelphia and concludes next Monday in Detroit.
"I think it would be important to get some regular-season games in. Obviously, it would be tougher to go in right in the playoffs - but I would do it," he said. "I would love to get a couple of games in at the end. That’ll be enough to get the systems down full speed and know what I’m doing."
Of course, MacArthur must first pass the same baseline test he failed earlier in the year before he can enter a game, and as far as general manager Pierre Dorion is concerned, even that might not be enough.
"There’s been some talk that we may have him do the baseline. As far as him playing again, it’s always on the doctors, it’s not up to us," Dorion said. "The doctors will decide if he can play or not. But to put him in a game situation or a playoff situation when you’ve played four games in two years might not be the smartest thing."
The Senators have just eight games remaining on their schedule and will conclude the regular season against the New York Islanders on April 9.