The Ottawa Senators may have to play without their captain for an extended period at the start of the new NHL season. Brady Tkachuk sustained an injury after being cross-checked by Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi during the first period on Monday, resulting in an awkward collision with the boards. Tkachuk, visibly in discomfort, held his right forearm upon getting up and played on but sat out the final nine minutes of the third period. Unfortunately, the Senators suffered a 4-1 defeat.
According to head coach Travis Green, the 26-year-old Tkachuk is expected to be sidelined for over four weeks due to a right hand injury, as reported by NHL.com. Green mentioned that further details, including the possibility of surgery for Tkachuk, are awaited. Tkachuk, who led the Senators in scoring last season with 29 goals, was instrumental in guiding the team to its first playoff appearance since 2017.
Following a victory against Tampa Bay to kick off the regular season, Ottawa faced a loss against the Florida Panthers before heading back home. The team’s upcoming match is scheduled for Wednesday night in Buffalo. Meanwhile, winger Drake Batherson confirmed his return from injury to feature against the Sabres, with the Nova Scotian finishing the 2024-25 season as the Senators’ second-highest goal and point scorer.
The Senators and their fans are eagerly awaiting Tkachuk’s recovery and hoping for a swift return to the ice for their influential captain.