The Ottawa Senators face the possibility of being without their team captain for an extended period as the new NHL season kicks off. Brady Tkachuk sustained a cross-check from Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi early in the first period on Monday, resulting in an awkward collision with the boards. Despite initially playing through the discomfort and holding his right forearm, Tkachuk was sidelined for the final nine minutes of the third period. The Senators suffered a 4-1 defeat in the game.
According to head coach Travis Green, the 26-year-old Tkachuk is expected to miss more than four weeks due to a right hand injury. The team is awaiting further updates to determine if surgery will be necessary. 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 victorious season opener against Tampa Bay, the Senators fell to the Florida Panthers before heading back home. Their upcoming match is scheduled for Wednesday night against the Buffalo Sabres. Meanwhile, winger Drake Batherson confirmed his return from injury to face the Sabres, having ranked second in goals and points for the Senators in the 2024-25 season.
