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LONDON — They are a study in contrasts to be sure, but one day in the near future Thomas Chabot and Andreas Englund could both be fixtures on the Ottawa Senators’ blue line.

First off, let’s discuss Chabot, playing at this weekend’s rookie tournament with an eye toward becoming one of the few 19-year-old defencemen to step directly into the NHL.

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While labels and comparisons are sometimes dangerous business, it’s no stretch to suggest the offensively gifted Chabot is Erik Karlsson Lite.

The speed he gains from his smooth stride regularly catches opponents off guard, creating odd-man rushes out of nothing. At the same time, finding the perfect risk/reward balance is an ongoing trial.

During the extra time in the Senators’ 2-1 overtime loss to Toronto on Friday, that speed created both a two-on-one rush and a partial breakaway for the Senators.

Then again, the Maple Leafs’ winning goal came with Chabot caught up ice after failing to score the game-winner himself.