Ottawa Senators’ captain, Brady Tkachuk, will be sidelined for six to eight weeks following a surgical procedure on his right thumb, as confirmed by the NHL team on Thursday. Owner Michael Andlauer had previously mentioned in New York that Tkachuk was seeking a second opinion to assess the need for surgery.
Tkachuk sustained the injury after being cross-checked into the boards by Nashville’s Roman Josi just five minutes into Monday night’s game. The 26-year-old American winger initially remained in the game but eventually exited during the third period.
By opting for surgery now, Tkachuk is projected to make a comeback in late November or early December, well in advance of the Milan-Cortina Olympics scheduled for February. Both Tkachuk and his brother Matthew, from the Florida Panthers, have been selected for the U.S. team, with Matthew also facing an injury setback and anticipated return in December.