In a positive development for the Ottawa Senators and their fans, captain Brady Tkachuk has made a significant stride in his rehabilitation journey, returning to the ice with teammates for the first time since undergoing surgery.
Major Milestone in Recovery
The Senators' leader participated in an optional skate at the Canadian Tire Centre on Friday, just four weeks after a procedure to repair a torn ligament in his thumb. This injury occurred during a game against the Nashville Predators on October 14.
This week marked a crucial turning point in Tkachuk's recovery, as he was medically cleared to begin handling and shooting the puck again. His progress will be formally assessed early next week by Dr. Robert Hotchkiss, the New York-based surgeon overseeing his care.
Road Trip and Return Timeline
The captain is scheduled to accompany the team on their upcoming seven-day road trip, which begins next Wednesday in Anaheim. While his presence is a boost for team morale, a firm return to game action is still on the horizon.
Head coach Travis Green provided an update on the anticipated timeline, stating, "He's come along well, but he's probably a couple of weeks at least." Green emphasized that while there is no exact return date, the organization is hopeful Tkachuk could be back in the lineup in approximately two weeks, pending a positive check-up with his surgeon.
Teammates React to Captain's Return
During the optional skate, Tkachuk shared the ice with Nick Cousins, Nick Jensen, Travis MacDermid, and goaltender Leevi Merilainen. His return was a welcome sight for the team.
Defenceman and alternate captain Jake Sanderson expressed the team's enthusiasm, saying, "It's awesome to see. I honestly haven't seen him a lot lately, just because he's been coming to the rink so early and grinding. Good for him. I know he's eager to get back with our group."
This key step forward signals that the heart and soul of the Senators is nearing a return, providing a major lift for a team eager to have its leader back on the ice for game action.
