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Senators’ Brady Tkachuk eager to return after thumb surgery

For the next few weeks, Brady Tkachuk will have to sit and watch.

The Ottawa Senators captain spoke on Wednesday for the first time since undergoing surgery on his right thumb.

Although the team has previously given a six-to-eight-week timeline for his return, Tkachuk said he was itching to get back as soon as possible.

“Everything is going in the right direction,” he said. “Today was the first day I started to do stuff, and I feel like that’s going to keep me sane. Whenever the guys are playing and you’re not playing, you always want to be able to go to battle with them, so that’s been the toughest part is not being able to be around in those moments.”

Tkachuk said he would be limited to skating for some time before expecting to be cleared for puck-handling around Week 3 or 4 of rehab.

He added that there is no concern about missing the Olympics, where he was among the first six players named to the U.S. team for the Feb. 11-22 tournament in Italy.

Tkachuk also clarified that the injury was a fully torn thumb ligament. He said doctors said the two-hour operation was successful at the time, which was confirmed in a check-up appointment on Tuesday in New York.

“It’s definitely a tough test mentally, but I think with that is an opportunity to get better because of it,” Tkachuk said. “Stuff like this happens and now it’s an opportunity to find different levels for me as a person and me as a player.”

Tkachuk sustained the injury earlier in October when he was cross-checked five minutes into a game into the boards by Nashville Predators defenceman Roman Josi.

He stayed in the game, a 4-1 loss to the Predators, before leaving midway through the third period, adding that he knew the injury was serious when he fired a shot on a partial breakaway that came out like a “muffin.”

Tkachuk said Wednesday that Josi has since texted him to check in after the play.

“It was nice of him. He didnâ€t have to do that,” Tkachuk said.

Ottawa sits 14th in the Eastern Conference at 2-4-1 entering action Wednesday, an early hole made deeper by Tkachuk’s absence.

But the captain said he’s not worried.

“I have full belief and faith in this group. We’re getting back to our identity,” he said.

The 26-year-old has been a key player for the Senators in recent years. Through three games this season, he had three assists and 10 hits.

Last season, Tkachuk posted 29 goals and 26 assists through 72 games while laying 228 hits and firing 296 shots on goal. He added four goals and three assists in the Senators’ six-game first-round loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the playoffs.

Over his eight-year career, all of which has been spent in Canada’s capital, Tkachuk has 191 goals and 216 assists in 515 games.

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Football

Arteta eager for Saka to follow Saliba and extend Arsenal deal

Sep 26, 2025, 09:21 AM ET

Mikel Arteta said he would love for Bukayo Saka to follow team-mate William Saliba by committing his future to Arsenal.

Sources told ESPN that Arsenal fended off Real Madrid to secure Saliba’s services for another five years, with official confirmation of the defender’s renewal expected next week.

Saka’s current deal with Arsenal expires in 2027 and although there is no indication that the England international wants to leave, it is not believed that a new contract is close to being announced.

Asked if he is expecting news of Saka’s renewal to be rubber-stamped, Arteta said: “I would love that.

“From everything that I know, he is a player that is extremely happy, and proud to have the role that he has at the football club.

“Things will develop in a natural way, like they always do, and everyone knows how important Bukayo is for us. Hopefully we can do it.”

Like Saka, Saliba has been a star performer for Arsenal, and alongside Gabriel — who also signed a new contract in June — has forged arguably the best defensive partnership in the Premier League.

Ahead of their clash against Newcastle on Sunday, Arteta’s side have conceded just one goal from open play so far this season.

Bukayo Saka and William Saliba have been integral to Arsenal over the past three years. Getty

Arsenal’s ability to keep the France international — who has been in the PFA Team of the Year for the past three seasons — away from Real Madrid’s clutches is a significant statement of intent as Arteta bids to end the club’s 22-year wait for a title. The Spaniard’s sole trophy of his near six-year reign is his 2020 FA Cup triumph.

Alluding to Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba, 24, Arteta continued: “When you hear that noise, you can understand certain expectations. Players have feelings, and maybe dreaming about something one day and that’s a really natural thing to have.

“When I sat down with William and I asked him the question, he said: ‘No, I want to stay here, I want to play for you, and I’m very happy’ in his own way, so that was great to hear.

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“He’s been instrumental in everything we’ve done in the last few years. His consistency, the way he’s progressed, and the way he has matured as well as a person and his role in the team has grown year after year.

“Every time I sit with a player and we discuss with the club what their intentions are, the first thing is that they want to continue with us, they want to win with us, they want to continue to grow as a player in this environment and that’s a great thing to have because it’s not always the case and we don’t take it for granted.”

Captain Martin Ødegaard is set to be available for Arsenal’s trip to St James’ Park on Sunday following a three-game absence with a shoulder injury. However, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz remain absent with knee problems.

Arsenal, who have lost four of their last five visits to Newcastle, trail league leaders Liverpool by five points.

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