In a wide-ranging interview with TSN1200 this afternoon, Bryan Murray touched on the status of both Chris Phillips and Clarke MacArthur. While he was hopeful on MacArthur being able to return for the second half of the season, he said that he felt Phillips was a long shot to return after his back surgery.
You've got to feel for Phillips in this. While his not returning may be the best thing for the team's product on the ice (even with the Sens current D), but you always want to see a player go out on their own terms and not due to injury.