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But just because he’s in Ottawa now, he insists he’s not taking anything for granted.

“I will say the same thing, nothing is confirmed, nothing 100%,” Chabot said following Wednesday’s late practice at Canadian Tire Centre.

Chabot had been paired with captain Erik Karlsson before the break, but based on Wednesday’s groupings, he’ll be alongside Borowiecki against the Blues.

While Chabot says he’s excited to play with “a solid, great defenceman” like Borowiecki, the veteran passes the compliment back. And then some.

“Thomas is just such a skilled player and I can’t say enough about him as a kid,” said Borowiecki. “I’ve got a lot of respect for how he handles himself. His instincts out there, personally, I think they are off the charts. He’s like another franchise defenceman. He’s going to be a special player.”

Borowiecki, of course, would be pumped to be playing with anyone, given that he hasn’t been in the lineup since suffering a concussion on Nov. 19 against the New York Rangers.

While the competitor in him was pushing hard to return before the bye week, he now says receiving an additional week off can’t help but be beneficial.

“The legs feel good, the lungs feel good, the hands don’t feel so good, but that’s usually the case with me,” he said, with a laugh.

Borowiecki led the NHL in hits last season, but he recognizes that it may take a period or two to get his game timing back.

“I would love to (get a hit early), try to set a bit of energy in this building, but when you chase it, that’s when things don’t go your way,” he said. “You have to find your spot. It’s just a matter of making sure you’re in the right places and being able to make those hits if they do come.”

kwarren@postmedia.com