Within a matter of months, the Ottawa Senators pulled off one of the greatest comebacks this season. On January 10, for instance, the Senators were in the Atlantic Division basement, but today the team is on its way to the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
As the playoffs loom large, the NHL community has received a much-awaited update on captain Brady Tkachuk, who left the game against the New York Islanders early.
Latest on Senators Star Brady Tkachuk’s Injury
As the Senators pounced on the 2025-26 season after last year’s early playoff exit, they did not have Tkachuk on the ice for a considerable period of time. The 26-year-old missed 20 games due to thumb surgery, returning to the ice only late in November.
When he exited the game against the Islanders on March 11, there was sufficient reason to worry.
Playing regular-season games early in the season without a key player is one thing, but postseason games are a different challenge altogether. Thankfully, the Senators can count on Tkachuk’s help in the postseason. Appearing on “TSN 1200 Mornings,” Travis Green dismissed any reason to worry about the Sens captain’s health.
“Just ran into him this morning. He looks good,” assured Green, before adding that Tkachuk is also back to skating. “I am talking to him. He is skating today.”
Speaking to reporters, Tkachuk said it was “one of the weirdest, obviously scary moments” after temporarily losing vision. However, the Sens’ captain has cleared all tests to return to action.
Tkachuk left the game against the Islanders after taking a hit from defenseman Ryan Pulock on March 11, leaving the Senators behind to play without their captain for 18:03. The 26-year-old did not return to play against the New Jersey Devils, but is expected to play the regular season’s final game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Other players, including Tim Stutzle, Thomas Chabot, and Jake Sanderson, who were absent against the Devils, will also be back in the lineup at the Canadian Tire Centre for the Senators’ last regulation game on April 15.
Today’s lines #Sens
Batherson-Stützle-Giroux
Tkachuk-Cozens-Greig
Cousins-Pinto-Amadio
MacDermid-Halliday-ZetterlundSanderson-Zub
Chabot-Spence
Thomson-Matinpalo
Gilbert-CrottyUllmark
Reimer— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) April 14, 2026
With the playoffs just around the corner, Ottawa is expected to go up against formidable opponents. The team could either face the Buffalo Sabres or the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round.
The Sabres have been exceptional this season in more than one way, but lack playoff experience.
The Canes, on the other hand, are a team with extensive postseason experience. If the playoffs were to happen today, the Senators would be up against Carolina. Tkachuk and company will need to put their best foot forward and capitalize on the Hurricanes’ recent struggles at the goaltending to turn the day in their favor.
