Of all the injuries the Ottawa Senators accumulated already this season, this one stings the most for a variety of reasons.
Sens coach Guy Boucher announced Wednesday that rookie winger Brady Tkachuk will miss a month of action after tearing ligaments in his leg during Monday's 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars.
It is not yet known when or how Tkachuk suffered the injury, though speculation centers on a hit against Stars' forward Blake Comeau after which the gregarious 19-year-old awkwardly crashed into the boards.
Brady Tkachuk goes for a hit on Comeau and looks to go somewhat awkwardly into the boards. Tkachuk hobbles off but stays on the Senators bench. pic.twitter.com/DOJTKtvrQM
— Dylan Nadwodny (@dnadders) October 15, 2018
Tkachuk still led Ottawa with five shots on goal Monday, was credited with four hits and scored his third goal of the season over 14:30 worth of ice-time -- the second most he registered, so far, in any one game.
Though he missed the first two games of the season due to injury, Tkachuk has three goals and six points in four games with the Senators. He is tied for third among all rookies in both categories and is tied for second with three assists.
Tkachuk plays a major role on the club, skating at even strength with veterans Zack Smith and Mark Stone. He also infused energy and grit into the lineup, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Now, the fourth-overall pick in the 2018 draft is sidelined for a month, joining forwards Ryan Dzingel and Alex Formenton and defenseman Cody Ceci on IR. In addition, the Sens are without JG Pageau, Marian Gaborik and Clarke MacArthur who all reside on Long-Term Injured Reserve.
Despite all the injuries -- and offseason departures of top scorers Erik Karlsson and Mike Hoffman -- Ottawa is a surprising 3-2-1 to start the new season. The Senators next play Saturday, hosting the Montreal Canadiens.