Brady Tkachuk, Senators Captain, Undergoes Thumb Surgery
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk underwent surgery on his right thumb on Thursday, the team announced. The winger is expected to be out of action until at least Thanksgiving, with an estimated recovery time of six to eight weeks.
Tkachuk, 26, made the decision to undergo surgery after consulting a doctor in New York on Wednesday for a second opinion. Sources close to the player indicate that his participation in the Olympic team should not be affected.
The Ottawa captain’s injury occurred in the first period of the 4-1 defeat to the Nashville Predators on Monday. It was after an elbow hit from Predators defenseman Roman Josi, who hit him against the boards in an unfavorable manner. Despite the injury, Tkachuk continued playing, although he did not finish the game.
Tkachuk, who led the Senators with 29 goals last season, has accumulated three points in the first three games of this season.
The Senators, who managed to reach the playoffs the previous season, have started the season with a 1-3-1 record. The Ottawa team is coming off an 8-4 loss to the Sabres at home on Tuesday, their first game without Tkachuk.
Tkachuk’s brother, Matthew, is also out of action after undergoing surgery in the offseason. Both are expected to be key players for Team USA at the Milan Olympics in February.
