Craig Anderson

Craig Anderson leaves Senators again to be with wife during cancer battle

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:36 p.m. ET

Pete Blackburn

Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson has taken another leave of absence from the team to be with his wife, Nicholle, who is currently battling cancer. The news was announced on Thursday, and there is no set timetable for his return.

Anderson took a brief two-day leave from the team last week immediately after Nicholle's diagnosis, but later returned to the team (at her request) when the Sens' backup goalie, Andrew Hammond, was lost to injury. At the time, the Anderson family was still waiting for more details on Nicholle's cancer.

Teams and fans around the league have come together in support of the Andersons, with various gestures of solidarity in their difficult time. Most notably, Edmonton gave Anderson a standing ovation after he shut out their Oilers in his first game back with the Sens following Nicholle's diagnosis. Ottawa also gave her the game puck following the victory.

With the team unsure of when Anderson will be ready to return to the ice, the Senators went out and acquired goaltender Mike Condon from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a draft pick on Wednesday.

Obviously, this is a really difficult time for the Anderson family, who have dealt with a roller coaster of emotions over the past few weeks. All the best wishes to them. Here's hoping that future updates bring good news.

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