MacArthur has been battling post-concussion symptoms for the better part of two years now and all indications up until today was that he was nearing a return to action this season. MacArthur was sidelined back in training camp during a team scrimmage but was able to return to full contact practices in December.
"Clarke is devastated by this news," Dorion relayed to the media this morning. "He felt he didn't have any symptoms but I think in the long-term of this process we always said that the doctors would decide if Clarke was going to play."
"They all feel that Clarke should not play this year."
With MacArthur not an option to return this season, Dorion has shifted his focus and is looking to acquire some forward depth at some point during the second half of the season. The Sens currently find themselves in second place in the Atlantic Division as they push for a return to the post-season.
"Right now the asking prices are ridiculous for rentals and for non-rentals," Dorion continued. "We feel comfortable with what we have here and we're prepared to give up something to get something but you can't get top-end players for 7th round picks."
"But if we don't do anything, I like the team we have."
Some good news from this morning's media availability, it looks like Craig Anderson could return to the team later this month or in early February. Anderson took a personal leave back in December in order to be with his family while his wife Nicholle underwent cancer treatment. Dorion also expects that when Anderson's return to the team happens, it would be a permanent one.
"There's no real timetable," the Sens GM said of Anderson's return to action. "Once Craig joins the team he won't go in net right away."
The Sens are off today but return tomorrow in Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs at 7 p.m.
