The Ottawa Senators are set to face the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, but will be without their captain, Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk suffered a right hand injury during Monday's 4-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.
Coach Travis Green told reporters on Tuesday that Tkachuk would be sidelined for at least four weeks, with the possibility of needing surgery. The injury occurred early in the game when Tkachuk was cross-checked by Predators captain Roman Josi, causing him to fall awkwardly into the boards. He was seen holding his right forearm and, while he continued to play, he looked uncomfortable and ultimately sat out the final nine minutes of the third period.
"He's going to miss a significant amount of time," Green said, adding, "We'll know more in the next 24 hours. We don't know exactly, but it's four weeks-plus". Green also noted that discussions are underway to determine if surgery is required. If surgery is necessary, Tkachuk's return could be delayed further.
The loss of Tkachuk is a significant blow to the Senators, who entered the season with high hopes after making the playoffs last season for the first time since 2017. Last season, Tkachuk led the team in scoring with 29 goals. In the 2023-24 season, he tallied 37 goals and 74 points, and in 2022-23, he posted a career-high 83 points. Through the first three games of this season, he has three assists.
"You never want to lose a player of his stature, but that's part of the game," Green stated. "We're not going to sit and dwell on it. Like anyone else who gets hurt, you move on and you move on quickly". Green emphasized a "next man up" mentality.
On a more positive note, fellow winger Drake Batherson is expected to return to the lineup after missing the first three games with an upper-body injury sustained during training camp. "It's tough to evaluate when you're not there in the grind with the guys, but I think the guys are playing good and I'm excited to get back and help them out and try and win some games," Batherson said.
The Sabres, on the other hand, are seeking their first win of the season after a frustrating 0-3-0 start. They are coming off a 3-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. The Sabres have been outscored 10-2 in their first three games. Coach Lindy Ruff has challenged young players, including Jiri Kulich, to step up their performance.
