Senators head coach D.J. Smith announced the prognosis and estimated recovery time this morning ahead of tonight's contest with Calgary. Alex Formenton, who was assigned to the taxi squad from the Belleville Senators Tuesday, has been recalled and will take Watson's place in the lineup.
"It's a big loss for us," Smith said. "He gives you absolutely everything that he can for 12 minutes. When you talk about a guy who's coming to help your culture, I don't know if Pierre [Dorion] could have brought in a more perfect guy for that situation.
"He's selfless, shows you how it should be done, he's played in a Stanley Cup final, he's been around the league, he's been up and down on and off the ice. He's experienced it all and to me he was the absolute perfect guy to bring into our group and show you just how hard you have to play if you play 12 minutes."
In his first season in Ottawa, the 29-year-old has three goals and 10 points in 34 games along with 40 penalty minutes while averaging 12:00 a night.
His 49 blocks leads all forwards this season in the NHL with Columbus' Boone Jenner the next closest at 43. Watson's 100 hits this season are the 10th most in the NHL.
