Senators' Tkachuk out 6-8 weeks after undergoing thumb surgery

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk underwent surgery on his right thumb Thursday and is out six-to-eight weeks, the team announced Thursday.

Senators owner Michael Andlauer told reporters Wednesday that Tkachuk was getting a second opinion on his injury before determining whether surgery was necessary, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Tkachuk sustained the injury Monday against the Nashville Predators after being hit by Roman Josi in the first period. He initially left the game, but returned to log 13:53, though he didn't play the final nine minutes of the 4-1 loss.

Tkachuk has three assists in three games this season. He tallied a team-high 29 goals last campaign and totaled 55 points in 72 games as the Senators made the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

The 26-year-old was one of six players named to the United States' Olympic team in June.

Tkachuk's timeline has him expected to return by mid-December.