Ottawa Senators’ Captain to Miss 6-8 Weeks

Tkachuk was injured on Monday night during the Senators’ game against the Nashville Predators. The Senators’ captain was cross-checked by defenceman Roman Josi. Tkachuk remained in the game but did the final nine minutes of the game.

“We are going to miss him,” Senators coach Travis Green said Wednesday. “You don’t replace guys like that, but we’ve always had the mindset of next man up. It’s another opportunity. Teams are going to have injuries. That’s part of the NHL.”

Senators Without Their Star

Tkachuk has recorded three assists in three games for the Sens this season. Without their captain and star, the team will be looking for others to step up in his absence. Shane Pinto, Tim Stutzle, and Fabian Zetterlund are just a few of the names the Sens will be looking at to step up.

Injury Timeline

Six to eight weeks puts Tkachuk’s return late November or early December. That is only a little over a month away. However, the Senators will need to be able to handle their business while they wait for the captain’s return.

Of course, this is assuming all goes well with Tkachuk’s recovery. Speed bumps on the road to recovery are possible. Furthermore, it is possible Tkachuk may be a little rusty when he returns to the lineup.

Thankfully, it appears Tkachuk will be returning in plenty of time to participate in the Winter Olympics. Tkachuk was one of six players chosen to play for Team United States in the tournament. Joining him on the team’s roster is his brother, Matthew Tkachuk. Both brothers played for Team USA last season during the 4 Nations Face-Off.