“Senators’ Captain Brady Tkachuk Out 6-8 Weeks After Thumb Surgery”

Ottawa Senators’ team captain, Brady Tkachuk, will be sidelined for approximately six to eight weeks following a surgical procedure to address a right thumb injury, the NHL franchise revealed on Thursday. Owner Michael Andlauer indicated on Wednesday in New York that Tkachuk was undergoing a second evaluation to determine the necessity of surgery. Tkachuk sustained the injury after receiving a cross-check from Nashville’s Roman Josi early in Monday night’s game, forcing the 26-year-old American forward to exit the game during the third period. By opting for the surgery now, Tkachuk is projected to make a comeback in late November or early December, well ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February. Both Tkachuk and his injured brother, Matthew of the Florida Panthers, have already been selected for the U.S. team roster.