Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Ottawa Senators, has been named to Team USA’s hockey roster for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. This selection comes as Tkachuk follows the legacy of his father, Keith Tkachuk, a four-time Olympian and silver medalist in 2002.
Outstanding Achievements in the 2024-25 NHL Season
The 2024-25 NHL season was a standout year for Brady Tkachuk, during which he played a crucial role in leading the Senators to their first playoff berth since 2017. Over six playoff games, Tkachuk topped playoff scoring for his team with four goals and three assists, accumulating seven points in total. His consistency extended well beyond the postseason.
During the regular season, Tkachuk appeared in 72 games and led the Senators by scoring 29 goals and adding 26 assists, placing him fourth in overall team points with 55. Among these goals, five were decisive game-winners, including four scored in overtime, setting a new Canadian Senators record for the most overtime goals in a single season.
Career Milestones and Franchise Records
This season also saw Tkachuk reach several personal career milestones. On November 27, he recorded two assists, the first marking the 200th assist of his career. He celebrated his 500th NHL game on March 8 and achieved his 400th career point three days later. On February 1, Tkachuk reached his 100th multi-point game by scoring a goal and assisting another.
He climbed the Senators’ all-time ranks as well, moving to fourth in goals scored (191), ninth in assists (213), and sixth in points (404) within franchise history. These accomplishments reflect Tkachuk’s growing influence in the NHL and the organization.
International Experience and Leadership Roles
Although the 2026 Olympics will mark Brady Tkachuk’s Olympic debut, he has substantial experience representing the United States internationally. Earlier this year, he was a standout player at the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off, where Team USA finished second. Tkachuk recorded three goals in four games, including the first goal for the United States in the final against Canada.
In 2024, he served as captain for Team USA at the World Hockey Championships held in Prague and Ostrava, tying for second in tournament scoring with 13 points from seven goals and six assists over eight games. His leadership was also evident during the 2018 World Junior Championships, where he ranked third in points on his team and helped secure the bronze medal.
Significance of NHL Players Returning to the Olympics
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first time since 2014 that NHL players, including Tkachuk, will participate in the Games. The last NHL Olympic appearance was during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, making this event highly anticipated by players and fans alike. Tkachuk’s inclusion signals both his rising prominence in hockey and the continued strength of Team USA’s roster.
As a young leader with an impressive track record both domestically and internationally, Brady Tkachuk’s Olympic journey promises to be a meaningful chapter in his career and a continuation of his family’s distinguished legacy in hockey history.