SNAPSHOTS: Eve Gascon ready to make the start for Gatineau Olympiques

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Eve Gascon will skate into the history books Saturday afternoon.

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The 18-year-old goaltender will become only the third female in the history of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to make an appearance in a net when she makes the start for the Gatineau Olympiques against the Rimouski Oceanic Saturday at 4 pm at the Slush Puppy Centre.

Manon Rheaume and Charline Labonte are the only other women who have played in the QMJHL.

Gascon was called up by the Olympiques last week from the St-Laurent Patriotes, a team that plays in the CEGEP men’s league. She has a 9-5-0 record this season with the Patriotes with a 2.81 goals-against average and a .899 save-percentage.

A native of Laval, Que. Gascon was recalled after Gatineau starter Remi Poirier was injured. She attended the club’s training camp and was impressive which is why the Olympiques want to give her a chance to show what she can do during a regular season game.

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Gascon had a strong effort during two appearances in camp with Gatineau. She made 19 stops in an 8-1 decision over Rouyn-Noranda on Sept. 18 and then made 34 saves in 1 2-1 victory against Victoriaville on Sept. 25.

KEEP AN EYE ON SANDERSON

Jake Sanderson likely won’t suit up again this season with the University of North Dakota after suffering a hand injury.

Whether he plays for the Senators this season remains to be seen.

Injured last weekend blocking against Colorado College, Sanderson, the club’s top prospect on defense, is listed as week-to-week but it would be surprising if he played for UND again.

The plan is to have him suit up for the Senators before the end of the season but we’ll see if he gets that chance. Sanderson has told Pierre Dorion and senior VP Pierre McGuire he’ll sign with the club once UND’s season is over.

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The news of the Sanderson ailment came the day before the club announced Thursday that alternate captain Thomas Chabot is gone with a broken hand.

Coach DJ Smith told reporters it feels like the organization is cursed.

“I don’t know the official word but it looks him coming to us is going to be delayed,” Smith said. “I guess it’s contagious this year and it found its way all the way to North Dakota.

“But I really look forward to him getting here and him joining this group. The sooner he can get out there and get these minutes the better it’s for him and the better it’s for us. He’s a huge part of our future, he’s a fifth-overall pick and he’s a guy that people have talked about.

“He may be the best player outside of the NHL prospect-wise. The sooner he gets here the better, but he he’s got to be healthy to do so.

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DAOUST SIGNS ON DOTTED LINE

The Senators brought another prospect into the fold by signing forward Phillippe Daoust to an entry-level deal that will start in the 2022-23 campaign.

Daoust has 11 goals and 22 points in 17 games with QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs. He started the year with the club’s AHL affiliate in Belleville where he suited up for 15 games registered five assists.

The 20-year-old Daoust was No. 168 overall in the sixth-round of the 2020 NHL draft. The club has liked the progress he has made.

“We’ve been very pleased with Philippe’s progress,” said GM Pierre Dorion. “He’s a highly skilled forward who displays good offensive instincts and creativity. With Saint John serving as Memorial Cup host this spring, we expect him to play an important role throughout the Sea Dogs’ post-season.”

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NO CERTAINTY ON STUETZLE

The club sent winger Parker Kelly back to its AHL affiliate in Belleville on Thursday to suit up this weekend. Center Tim Stuetzle left the game briefly in the second period Wednesday against the Blue Jackets but finished the night.

The hope is he’ll be able to play against the Flyers but if he doesn’t the Senators will dress forward Adam Gaudette in his place.

Whatever is wrong with Stuetzle it’s not considered that serious.

“We’re hopeful he could play (Friday),” Smith said. “It’s not long-term but if he’s not 100% then I’m not going to put him in there. Selfishly, as a coach, you want to push him to be out there. He’s certainly going to help you win games. But at what cost? I’m not going to put a kid at risk if he’s not 100%. I’m just not going to do it.”

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THE LAST WORDS

It will be a busy weekend for the club’s scouting staff at the rink.

Ottawa chief pro scout Jim Clark has arrived in town along with his staff and chief amateur scout Trent Mann to prepare for Monday’s 3 pm EDT trade deadline.

The talk has heated up a bit with the clock now ticking towards the deadline and Dorion has some decisions to make. Winger Nick Paul has yet to sign an extension so he’s the guy to watch going into the weekend because if he doesn’t sign then there’s a good chance he’ll be moved.

Paul will be in the lineup Friday against the Flyers but there’s no guarantees we’ll see him Saturday in Montreal if he’s not signed.

Winger Zach Sanford, defenseman Josh Brown and goalie Anton Forsberg are all considered candidates to draw some interest. Of that group it feels like Brown is the most likely to be on the move. Teams like his size of him.