The Ottawa Senators may have faced the worst possible outcome during a preseason game. The team is now missing three of its top players, with captain Brady Tkachuk and star forward Tim Stutzle expected not to return to Tuesday’s match against the Montreal Canadiens because of upper-body injuries. Additionally, defenseman Thomas Chabot is being held out for precautionary reasons.
Brady Tkachuk (upper body) and Tim Stützle (upper body) will not return tonight.
Brady Tkachuk (haut du corps) et Tim Stützle (haut du corps) ne seront pas de retour au jeu ce soir.
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) October 2, 2024
Tkachuk and Stutzle exited the game halfway through the second period after both were injured during the same sequence. While Stutzle was entering the offensive zone, Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj attempted a hit that seemed to target Stutzle’s head, leading to his injury. In retaliation, Tkachuk fought Xhekaj, likely sustaining an injury in the process. The severity and duration of the injuries for either player have not been confirmed. If Stutzle is sidelined by the start of the regular season, it would be a disappointing setback for what he hoped would be a bounce-back year. After a strong 2022-23 season, he struggled in 2023-24, finishing with 18 goals and 52 assists for 70 points in 75 games. Losing Tkachuk would also be significant for the team if he misses extended time. Last season, he tallied 37 goals and 37 assists for 74 points in 81 games. Xhekaj received a game misconduct for his actions and was ejected from the game.
Thomas Chabot (precautionary reasons) will not return.
Thomas Chabot (mesures préventives) ne sera pas de retour au jeu ce soir.
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) October 2, 2024
This is the second time in just three days he faced a game misconduct after retaliating against a hit on Patrik Laine in a match against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He recorded 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points in 44 games with the Canadiens in 2023-24. As for Chabot, the Senators indicated he was held out for precautionary reasons, having not played a shift in the third period. It remains unclear if this was due to potential injury concerns or if it was a cautious decision given the injuries to Stutzle and Tkachuk.
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