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Bobby Butler News
Bobby Butler practicing with grey "non-contact" jersey,

Butler taking part in practice is a welcome sign but skating without linemates indicates he is not quite ready. With the injury to Daniel Alfredsson he likely could have stepped up but will need to earn his way back into the lineup barring injury.

Bobby Butler
Butler and Carkner on the ice this morning...not ready to play yet but obviously gettting closer to returning to the lineup

Thus far, Butler has disappointed. Following 10 goals and 21 points, the right wing fell out of favor with his new coach and was relegated to a fourth line role. Expect more of the same when he gets back to health, perhaps even a 'conditioning stint' in the AHL.

Bobby Butler
Bobby Butler pulled a groin muscle last night and appears doubtful for Saturday's game at WAS.

Through his first two games this season, Butler was held scoreless with a minus-1 rating. Look for Zenon Konopka or Erik Condra to replace him on the fourth line.

Bobby Butler
Looks like Butler will be in for Condra today - based on lines this morning

Butler has played in only one of the team's four games as his new coach mentioned his failed defensive play. Last season he scored 10 goals and 21 points through 36 games. Don't expect too much from him until he gets out of the fourth line.

Bobby Butler
The Ottawa Senators entered this season hoping young forwards Bobby Butler and Nikita Filatov would help revive a flagging offence. Butler will sit his second straight game as a healthy scratch, while Filatov will cede his roster spot to Peter Regin.

Butler is clearly not a favorite of coach MacLean. Last season he scored 10 goals and 21 points through 36 games. Don't expect too much from him until he gets out of the doghouse.

Bobby Butler
MacLean confirms that Butler will be healthy scratch for Konopka. 5 centers tonight.

Butler was a minus-1 last game after getting lauded for his defensive play during the preseason. He scored 10 goals and 21 points through 36 points but will need to earn his playing time under a new coach.

Bobby Butler
Heading into the training camp, it was believed that Bobby Butler would be counted on to be one of the Senators few offensive threats. Yet after a weak camp, he has slipped down the depth chart and MacLean says Butler has to learn to be solid defensively to make a significant impact.

Butler scored 10 goals and 21 points through 31 games last season after proving himself at the AHL level. With a new head coach, it seems apparent that he will need to re-earn his playing time.

Bobby Butler