Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is trying to stay upbeat while recovering from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, an injury suffered a few weeks into the season. The procedure was performed six days before he spoke on Wednesday, and he has already resumed skating. Although he has not set a firm return date, Tkachuk expects to begin handling the puck in three to four weeks, which could keep him out until December.
Recovery Journey and Team Involvement
Tkachuk was injured on Oct. 13 during a 4-1 loss to the Nashville Predators when a cross-check from Roman Josi sent him into the boards head- and hand-first. Despite his injury, he attempted to continue playing, even going for a partial breakaway. However, the pain worsened, forcing him to miss the final 9:04 of the third period as he struggled to grip his stick.
The 26-year-old forward is committed to remaining involved with the team during his recovery. He has been attending meetings, participating in video sessions, and spending quality time around the group before games. Tkachuk and other non-playing teammates have been actively comparing notes from the press box and offering valuable observations when asked, demonstrating his leadership skills even when sidelined.
As it stands, Ottawa has a record of 2-4-1 and is positioned sixth in the Atlantic Division. The Senators are set to host the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, a game that Tkachuk is eagerly anticipating from the sidelines. He expressed that he felt in top form entering the season after a strong summer of training and views this setback as an opportunity to improve both as a player and a leader. Tkachuk aims to return at a higher level, ready to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Additionally, in June, Tkachuk was named among the first six players to the United States roster for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina. He is optimistic about his recovery and maintains that he expects to participate in the Olympics, showcasing his determination and commitment to his sport.