Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has provided a significant update on his recovery, indicating he's nearing a return to the ice after undergoing thumb surgery.
Target Return Date Set
Speaking on the second episode of his new podcast, The Wingmen, which was released Wednesday morning, Tkachuk revealed his intention to return to lineup around American Thanksgiving. This places his potential comeback just eight days away from the podcast's release date.
The timeline aligns perfectly with the original six to seven week recovery projection following his procedure. If all progresses smoothly, Tkachuk could potentially suit up for next Wednesday's matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, or possibly make his return in his hometown when the Senators face the St. Louis Blues on November 28.
Recovery Progress and Medical Clearance
Tkachuk recorded the podcast episode before traveling to New York on Monday to consult with Dr. Robert Hotchkiss, the specialist who performed surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb. Despite the upcoming appointment, the Senators' leader expressed confidence about receiving clearance to resume skating with his teammates in California.
"I've got a doctor's appointment in the next couple of days and I'm excited to hear what he has to say for me," Tkachuk shared during the podcast. "Hopefully, everything is all clear to go out there to battle and compete. Hopefully around Thanksgiving we're back, and we're ready to rock."
Injury Background and Impact
The captain has been sidelined for 16 games since sustaining the injury during the team's home opener at Canadian Tire Centre on October 13. The damage occurred when Tkachuk was driven into the boards by Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi.
Interestingly, Tkachuk's brother Matthew, who plays for the Florida Panthers, is also working his way back from adductor surgery that has kept him out of Florida's lineup during the early portion of the season.
Both brothers expressed their eagerness to return to game action, with Brady noting during the podcast: "I feel like, and it's the same with you (Matthew), we're just itching to get back. We both just want to be playing again. That's what we're meant to be doing. That's just our calling, we're at our best when we're in the fight and in the battle with our teammates."
He added, "It's so hard when you're watching from afar and not being a part of it, wishing you had an impact. But the fact that we're almost on single digit days of being back, we're both super, super, super, excited."
While Tkachuk didn't participate in Monday's 45-minute practice session at Canadian Tire Centre under coach Travis Green's supervision, he did join his teammates for their lengthy flight to Los Angeles on Tuesday following his New York medical appointment. The team now awaits to see if he'll take the ice in Anaheim as they prepare to face the Ducks on Thursday night, marking the beginning of their seven-game road trip.
