Overview
- Tkachuk was injured Oct. 13 against Nashville on a cross-check by Roman Josi, who received a minor penalty.
- He returned in a limited capacity that night but did not take a shift over the final nine minutes.
- After reportedly seeking a second opinion, he opted for surgery on Oct. 16, extending an initial four‑plus‑week outlook.
- Coach Travis Green and veterans such as David Perron emphasized a next‑man‑up approach as Ottawa reworks top‑line and power‑play roles.
- The six‑to‑eight‑week window points to a return by early to mid‑December, with multiple outlets reporting he should be available for Team USA in February.