The Ottawa Senators could be without their captain for a month or more, just as the new NHL season gets underway.
Brady Tkachuk was cross-checked by Nashville Predators defenceman Roman Josi early in the first period Monday and went awkwardly into the boards.
Tkachuk held his right forearm as he got to his feet. He continued to play but looked uncomfortable, sitting out the final nine minutes of the third period. The Sens lost 4-1.
Head coach Travis Green said Wednesday the 26-year-old will miss more than four weeks with a right hand injury, according to NHL.com. Green said the team hoped to know more soon, including whether Tkachuk will need surgery.
Tkachuk led the Senators in scoring last season with 29 goals, steering the team to its first playoff appearance since 2017.
Ottawa beat Tampa Bay to begin the regular season, then lost to the Florida Panthers before returning home. Their next game is Wednesday night in Buffalo.
Fellow winger Drake Batherson told reporters on Tuesday he will return from his own injury to take on the Sabres. The Nova Scotian finished second in both goals and points for the Senators in 2024-25.
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