Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk will be sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks following surgery on his right thumb. The team confirmed this news on Thursday after Tkachuk sustained the injury during a game against the Nashville Predators on Monday. He was cross-checked by defenseman Roman Josi early in the first period.
Injury Details and Impact
Tkachuk remained in the game initially but missed the final 9:04 of the third period. Senators head coach Travis Green acknowledged the team’s challenge in coping with his absence. “You don’t replace guys like that,” Green stated. “We’ve always had the mindset of next man up. It’s another opportunity.”
Performance and Statistics
- Tkachuk recorded three assists in three games this season.
- Last season, he amassed 55 points (29 goals, 26 assists) in 72 games.
- He played a vital role in leading the Senators to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016-17.
As a professional player, Tkachuk has achieved significant milestones. He has a total of 407 points (191 goals, 216 assists) in 515 regular-season games. Additionally, he contributed seven points (four goals, three assists) in six playoff games.
Reactions from Teammates
Sens forward David Perron expressed the necessity for the team to adjust. “It’s tough to lose him, but it’s got to be a little of a next-man-up mentality right now,” Perron stated. “We can’t worry about who’s playing and who’s not. We’ve got to just go out there and get the job done.”
Michael Amadio highlighted the need for collective contributions during Tkachuk’s recovery. “It’s not one guy, it’s everyone kind of coming together to fill that role,” he remarked.
Leadership and Future Prospects
Tkachuk is also recognized for his leadership on the ice. He leads the NHL in penalty minutes (754) since joining the league in 2018 and ranks second in hits (1,769), only behind Radko Gudas (1,839).
In June, Tkachuk was named among the first six players on the United States roster for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026. His brother, Matthew Tkachuk, also plays for the Florida Panthers and was selected for the same roster.
As the team navigates this period without their captain, forward Dylan Cozens emphasized the importance of stepping up. “We’ve got to play hard. We’ve got to step up while he’s out,” Cozens stated.
