In 2025, fans of the Ottawa Senators have expressed their love for captain Brady Tkachuk more than ever. The chants of "Brady" have never been chanted louder at Canadian Tire Centre.
The upcoming 2025-26 season is destined to be a special one for the Senators with Tkachuk leading the way. After being eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tkachuk and the Senators have huge motivation.
Although the Senators' season starts in just over one month, Tkachuk will also be a participant in the 2026 Winter Olympics for Team USA in February 2026. However, Tkachuk has made it clear of one thing about both the regular season and Olympics.
Tkachuk prioritizes Senators over 2026 Olympics
In a recent interview, a question was asked to Tkachuk about balancing the Senators' regular season and representing Team USA at the Olympics. However, Tkachuk made it clear the Senators are his main focus.
"First and foremost, is my priority's to put the Ottawa Senators in the best possible position before the Olympics," Tkachuk said.
Tkachuk was one of the first players to be named to Team USA's roster for the 2026 Olympics. However, even with an honor of being one of the first six chosen, Tkachuk's NHL team will come first as a captain.
The 2026 Olympics will be the first time since 2014 in which NHL players will participate. For Tkachuk, it will be a huge honor to play along with his brother Matthew after this past February.
In February 2025, best-on-best hockey with NHL players returned for the first time since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey with the 4 Nations Face-Off. Tkachuk was one of the most talked about players for Team USA with his success during the tournament.
Tkachuk scored Team USA's first goal of the tournament, then famously dropped the gloves with Canada's Sam Bennett three seconds into Team USA vs Canada's game on Feb. 15. Then, Tkachuk scored a goal in the championship game for Team USA.
A player representing his country is an honor for any player. However, his team is still the focus and that is where Tkachuk is focused with the Senators for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Once the Olympics arrive, then his focus will be for Team USA.
Tkachuk is looking to build off his 55-point season last year with the Senators.