Braeden “Brady” Tkachuk is a prominent figure in professional ice hockey, currently serving as the captain of the Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League (NHL). Tkachuk’s journey began with a strong foundation in youth hockey, where he excelled with the St. Louis AAA Blues U16 and the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. His impressive performance at Boston University, where he earned All-Hockey East Rookie Team honors, set the stage for his entry into the NHL.
Drafted fourth overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Tkachuk quickly made an impact in the league. He made his NHL debut on October 8, 2018, and scored his first career goal just two games later, becoming the fastest Tkachuk to achieve this milestone. His rookie season was marked by a franchise record for most goals by a teenage player, finishing with 22 goals, showcasing his scoring ability and offensive prowess.
Tkachuk’s leadership qualities were recognized when he was named an alternate captain in the 2020-21 season, and he later signed a seven-year, $57.5 million contract with the Senators. His contributions on the ice include a memorable Gordie Howe hat trick in his 300th career game and a strong performance in the 2022-23 season, where he consistently challenged opponents and led his team in critical moments.
Internationally, Tkachuk has represented the United States with distinction, captaining the U.S. under-18 national team to gold at the 2017 IIHF World U18 Championships and leading the U.S. under-20 team to a bronze medal at the 2018 World Junior Championships. His commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire teammates make him a vital asset to both his club and national teams.