Karlsson to make season debut Tuesday vs. Canucks

Erik Karlsson is back.

The Ottawa Senators' superstar defenseman will make his season debut Tuesday night against the Vancouver Canucks, head coach Guy Boucher confirmed Monday.

Karlsson missed the Senators' first five games recovering from offseason foot surgery.

The two-time Norris Trophy winner didn't join Ottawa on last week's road swing, a three-game Western Canadian tour on which they defeated the Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers.

On Monday, Boucher attempted to allay any concerns that his all-world defenseman was going to play before being fully healthy.

"One-hundred percent he's ready," Boucher said, according to TSN's Ian Mendes. "He will play (Tuesday)."