Brady Tkachuk Set for Playoff Debut Against Maple Leafs

OTTAWA, Ontario — Brady Tkachuk is gearing up for a long-awaited playoff debut as the Ottawa Senators face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the opening round of the playoffs this Sunday. The 25-year-old captain, sidelined by an upper-body injury for a critical regular-season game earlier this month, witnessed his team secure a playoff berth after an eight-year drought, increasing anticipation for his first postseason experience.

On a recent Tuesday night, while unable to support his teammates on the ice, Tkachuk watched as the Senators secured their spot thanks to the collapse of the Detroit Red Wings against the Montreal Canadiens. The excitement of the moment had him “fired up,” and now he is ready to experience the intensity of playoff hockey.

"Those are the games I’ve always dreamt of playing," Tkachuk shared. "Mini-sticks, in the driveway, shooting the last shot to score the game-winner in playoffs." His dreams began in a St. Louis driveway, where he and his brother, Matthew, engaged in countless backyard battles.

Brady, who was selected No. 4 overall by the Senators in the 2018 NHL Draft, has watched his brother compete in the postseason while waiting for his own chance. The Tkachuk brothers, both sons of NHL All-Star Keith Tkachuk, have always shared a fierce competitive spirit, as highlighted by their childhood matches in their parents’ basement and driveway.

"He’s a very emotional kid. He’s still that way. I love that about him—he gets fired up, does whatever it takes to win," Keith said of his son Brady.

Brady Tkachuk rose to prominence in the league quickly, making his debut with the Senators after being drafted just two years after Matthew. He struggled as the team experienced ups and downs, but remained determined. Over time, he practiced drawing on his brother’s experiences to prepare himself for what lay ahead.

“I hold the record for having attended the most amount of playoff games without playing in them,” Brady reflected this February, emphasizing his unique perspective gained from the sidelines.

While Matthew began winning playoff games with the Calgary Flames soon after being drafted, Brady’s path in Ottawa did not yield immediate success. Instead, he embraced familial support as he watched from the stands, attending his brother’s games and occasionally stealing the show with his enthusiastic presence. Brady once famously high-fived Flames fans during a playoff game while holding a beer.

Brady Tkachuk often serves as a sounding board for Matthew, offering wise insights on handling playoff pressures. “The big thing is whatever happens that game, the next game is a new game,” he stated. This perspective helped him and his teammates as they pursued a playoff spot this season.

Tkachuk’s leadership was vital during the 2024-25 campaign, encouraging a “Game 7 mentality” among his teammates while battling for their place in the postseason. His tenacity inspired the Senators to a strong finish, boasting a record of 16-7-3 in their final 26 games, which secured their playoff berth.

“He doesn’t take a shift off,” said Senators teammate Jake Sanderson. “He can play any type of game. Skilled, physical, he’s the heart and soul of our team.”

As the Senators prepare to face the Maple Leafs, Keith noted the significance of Brady’s playoff journey. “It’s been a long time being in Ottawa to not be able to get that taste. It’s important for him to get in there,” he said.

While the first round will be a formidable matchup against the well-established Maple Leafs, the Tkachuks are eager for the challenge. Brady will no longer be following in his brother’s footsteps but rather stepping into his own spotlight in the battle for hockey supremacy.

"I think we’ll see the real competitor that he is and a team leader," said Senators president Cyril Leeder. With matchups promising excitement, the Tkachuk family anticipates a thrilling series, and Keith humorously noted, "I’ll be rooting for Anheuser-Busch. A lot of Bud Lights.”