Senators' Tkachuk replacing Batherson at All-Star Game

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk will replace teammate Drake Batherson on the Atlantic Division All-Star squad next month, the team announced Wednesday.

Batherson is sidelined long term with an ankle injury after Buffalo Sabres goaltender Aaron Dell sent him crashing into the boards Tuesday. The NHL's Department of Player Safety suspended Dell three games for interference Wednesday.

The Senators' top pivot was in the midst of a career season, registering 34 points in 31 games before his injury.

Tkachuk is having a solid season himself. The 22-year-old's notched 27 points in 33 appearances while averaging over 18 minutes per night. It's the second All-Star nomination of his career.

All-Star Weekend runs Feb. 4-5 in Las Vegas.