Brady Tkachuk, the star player and captain of the Ottawa Senators, is facing an extended absence from the ice due to a hand injury that could require surgery. The team's head coach, Travis Green, revealed that Tkachuk will be out for a significant period, with an estimated recovery time of four weeks or more. The injury occurred during a game against the Nashville Predators, when Tkachuk was hit by their captain, Roman Josi.
Despite playing through the pain, Tkachuk's condition worsened, and he had to leave the game early. Green assured fans that Tkachuk's decision to continue playing did not exacerbate the injury. This news is particularly concerning for the Senators, who have been hoping for a healthier season from their captain after multiple injuries plagued his 2024-25 campaign.
Tkachuk's injury history includes a hip injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2024 and an upper-body injury in March 2025. However, he managed to lead the team with 29 goals and 55 points through 72 games last season. Tkachuk expressed optimism in August, stating that he felt better than ever going into the new season. Unfortunately, his latest injury occurred just three games into the 2025-26 season, leaving the team in a challenging position.
The Senators will need to adjust their lineup, with potential changes to the first line and the top power play unit. Wingers like Fabian Zetterlund or David Perron might get an opportunity to play alongside Tim Stützle during Tkachuk's recovery. The team's focus now is on getting Tkachuk back on the ice as soon as possible, ensuring his full recovery and the team's success.
