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 meeting with a doctor in New York on Wednesday to get a second opinion. Sources indicate that Tkachuk’s availability for the Olympic team should not be affected.
The Ottawa captain was injured in the first period of the 4-1 loss to the Nashville Predators on Monday, after receiving a hit from Predators defenseman Roman Josi and awkwardly crashing into the boards. Tkachuk continued playing, but did not finish the game.
Tkachuk, who led the Senators with 29 goals last season, has three points in his first three games.
The Senators, who made the playoffs last season, have started the season with a 1-3-1 record. Ottawa is recovering from an 8-4 loss to the Sabres at home on Wednesday, in their first game without Tkachuk.
Tkachuk’s brother, Matthew, is also out after undergoing surgery in the offseason. Both are expected to be key players for Team USA at the Milan Olympics in February.
