The Ottawa Senators have officially named Brady Tkachuk as the team’s new captain, making him the 10th captain in the franchise’s history. At just 22 years old, Tkachuk is now the youngest captain in Senators history, a role he embraces with enthusiasm and a commitment to team leadership.
Tkachuk’s Excitement for the Role
“It’s an honor, and I’m definitely excited for this opportunity,” Tkachuk stated after the announcement. He emphasizes that while he will wear the captaincy letter, leadership will remain a collective effort among the team. “There are plenty of guys in that locker room who are tremendous leaders as well, so it’s not going to be just one person,” he added.
Tkachuk’s focus on group leadership reflects his understanding of the responsibilities that come with the role, suggesting that he values collaboration and teamwork above all.
A Young Leader in a Pressure Situation
With the Senators aiming to become playoff contenders, there is a weight of expectation on Tkachuk’s shoulders. However, Ottawa coach D.J. Smith believes Tkachuk is well-prepared to handle the challenges ahead. “I’m going to try and take some of the load off him when it gets tough; that’s my job as the coach,” Smith explained. He added that Tkachuk’s maturity sets him apart, noting his lifelong experience in hockey.
“He’s been at the arena since he was two years old and knows the NHL inside and out,” Smith said, indicating that Tkachuk’s upbringing gives him a unique perspective as a young captain.
Family Support and Personal Growth
Tkachuk will also benefit from the advice of his father, Keith, who served as captain for the Winnipeg Jets and Phoenix Coyotes during his own NHL career. This family connection will provide invaluable guidance as Brady navigates his new role.
After missing training camp due to a contract dispute, Tkachuk signed a seven-year, $57.5 million deal just hours before the Senators’ home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs. With 129 points (62 goals, 67 assists) in 205 career games, he has made a strong impact since being drafted fourth overall in 2018.
Upcoming Debut as Captain
Brady Tkachuk will make his debut as the Senators’ captain when the team hosts the Tampa Bay Lightning. Although he was informed about his captaincy on Thursday, he chose not to disclose it before the team’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights to avoid distractions. Coincidentally, Tkachuk’s mother had just arrived in town, and he planned to celebrate the announcement with a family dinner.
Leadership Team and Support
In addition to Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, a full-time alternate captain, was also considered for the captaincy. Tkachuk quickly acknowledged Chabot’s leadership skills, stating, “He’s every bit as great of a leader as anyone I’ve ever met.” The two share a close bond, which Tkachuk believes will strengthen their collaborative approach to leading the team.
“This is going to be a great opportunity for us to keep leaning on each other and progressing,” Tkachuk said, highlighting his commitment to teamwork.
Leading by Example
Since his arrival in Ottawa, Tkachuk has made a significant impact with his energetic personality and hard-nosed style of play. “Brady’s the guy that puts it out there every night,” said left-winger Nick Paul. “He leads by example—he scores, hits, fights, and does everything, making him a great leader.”
Paul noted Tkachuk’s efforts to create a welcoming atmosphere, always supporting his teammates both on and off the ice.
A Long-Awaited Decision
The Senators had gone three years without a captain, making this announcement particularly significant for management. General manager Pierre Dorion expressed confidence in Tkachuk’s abilities, stating, “Brady’s ingrained understanding of what it means to be a pro makes him the right choice for the team’s captaincy.”
Dorion emphasized that Tkachuk places team success above all else and is admired by teammates, coaches, and even opponents, making him a fitting ambassador for both the Senators and the city of Ottawa.
With Brady Tkachuk at the helm, the Ottawa Senators look forward to a new era of leadership. Supported by Chabot and a rotating group of alternate captains, including Nick Paul, Connor Brown, and Nikita Zaitsev, Tkachuk is ready to take on the challenge of guiding his team to success and potentially ending the franchise’s playoff drought. As the youngest captain in Senators history, Tkachuk’s journey is just beginning, and the hockey world will be watching closely.
