Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk spoke to the media for the first time on Wednesday after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament on his right thumb last week.

“They re-stabilized the joints. I was under for a two-hour nap – I was fired up about that,” Tkachuk told the media. “They said it went awesome, very very smooth.”

Tkachuk said he was in New York for a check up yesterday (Oct 21st) and “they were happy with it.”

— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) October 22, 2025

The 26-year-old winger suffered the injury during the third game of the season on Oct. 9 after getting cross-checked by Nashville Predators defenceman Roman Josi.

Tkachuk, who has three assists across three games this season, mentioned that Josi texted him following the incident, something that he appreciated.

“It was nice of him to do that, of course he didn’t have to. It’s a part of the game, stuff like that happens,” he said.

The Sens announced earlier this week that Tkachuk is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with the injury.

“It’s too early to say. Of course I’ll try to get back the first possible day….I’m able to skate now and it’s only been nine days off the ice so the legs and conditioning will stay,” Tkachuk regarding a timeline for his return to the lineup. “But it’s just going to be a little bit before I can stickhandle and shoot.”

Tkachuk didn’t have a timeline for his return (besides the expected 6-8 weeks):

“It’s too early to say, of course I’ll try to get back the first possible day….I’m able to skate now and it’s only been 9 days off the ice so the legs and conditioning will stay. But it’s just…

— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) October 22, 2025

Aside from competing for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a major carrot for players this season is the 2026 Winter Olympics, taking place in Italy from Feb. 6-22.

A native of Scottsdale, Ariz., Tkachuk said he’s not worried about missing the Winter Games as he expects to be back in the Sens’ lineup well before then.

“That’s not really in my thought process or mindset. My sole focus is getting back to help this team and get us in the best spot possible,” he said.

Brady Tkachuk isn’t worried about being ready for the 2026 Olympics, he’ll be back before then:

“That’s not really in my thought process or mindset. My sole focus is getting back to help this team and get us in the best spot possible.” #Sens

— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) October 22, 2025

Tkachuk scored three goals in four games during last February’s Four Nations Face-Off as the United States fell to Canada in overtime of the championship game from Boston.

Tkachuk’s 29 goals a season ago led all skaters on the Senators, and he has scored at least 29 goals in four consecutive seasons.

Tkachuk is in his eighth season with the Senators after being selected fourth overall by Ottawa in the 2018 NHL Draft.