The Ottawa Senators’ postseason aspirations have received a crucial vote of confidence. The team’s battle-hardened captain, Brady Tkachuk, will be available when the highly anticipated Stanley Cup Playoffs begin, as confirmed by head coach Travis Green in a statement on Monday.
Tkachuk, the heart and soul of the Senators, took part in Monday’s practice wearing a non-contact jersey. It marked his first appearance with the team since suffering an upper-body injury in a collision with Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Graves on March 30.
During Monday’s session, Tkachuk joined line drills alongside Tim Stutzle and Fabian Zetterlund. The next day, he was seen wearing a regular jersey in practice, a sign of evident progress in his recovery. Still, he was unable to suit up for Ottawa’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks that same night, marking his eighth consecutive absence.
Despite his time away from the ice, Tkachuk’s impact remains undeniable. He leads the team with 29 goals and ranks third in points with 55 through 71 regular-season games. When asked about his captain’s availability for the opening of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 19, Green responded unequivocally, according to NHL.com: “I do.”
Green underscores importance of practice for Tkachuk’s return
“He has to [practice],” Green stated. “If you want to be on top of your game after you’ve been out… he’s no different than any other player. You’ve got to come back and get some practice time. He’s skated on his own for a bit now and it’s good to get him with the group. I thought he looked sharp. And I’m sure he’ll skate again tomorrow.” Green’s confidence in Tkachuk’s sharpness bodes well for the Senators as they gear up for the postseason.
Will Tkachuk return before the regular season ends?
Uncertainty lingers over whether Tkachuk will appear in the Senators’ final regular-season matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. However, the key takeaway for Ottawa fans is his confirmed playoff availability. The return of their captain — a figure who epitomizes the team’s competitive spirit and resilience — provides a vital emotional and tactical boost as they prepare for the intensity of the NHL postseason.