Brady Tkachuk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brady Tkachuk
Tkachuk with the Ottawa Senators in 2023
Born	(1999-09-16) September 16, 1999 (age 25) Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	221 lb (100 kg; 15 st 11 lb)
Position	Left wing
Shoots	Left
NHL team	Ottawa Senators
National team	United States
NHL Draft	4th overall, 2018 Ottawa Senators
Playing career	2018–present

Braeden "Brady" Tkachuk (/kəˈtʃʌk/ KƏ-chuk; born September 16, 1999) is an American professional ice hockey player. He plays as a left winger and is the captain for the Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Senators picked Tkachuk as the fourth player overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Before becoming a pro, Tkachuk played one season for the Boston University Terriers. He was even named to the All-Hockey East Rookie Team.

Brady Tkachuk has also played for the United States in several big international tournaments. These include the 2017 IIHF World U18 Championships, the 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, and the 2024 IIHF World Championship.

Brady Tkachuk's Hockey Journey

Starting in College and Getting Drafted

Brady Tkachuk first played for the St. Louis AAA Blues U16 team. He then joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP). After two seasons with the NTDP, he decided to play college hockey for Boston University (BU).

During his time at BU, he scored four goals and ten assists in 19 games. This was in his first year. He also joined the U.S. under-20 national team. They played in the 2018 World Junior Championships. Near the end of his college season, Tkachuk was chosen for the Hockey East Rookie Team. He was one of the top scorers on his team.

Before the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, experts thought Tkachuk was one of the best North American players. The Ottawa Senators picked him fourth overall. On August 13, 2018, Tkachuk signed a three-year contract with the Senators. This meant he would not finish his college hockey career.

Tkachuk played in some preseason games for the Senators. But he missed the first two regular season games due to a groin injury. He made his NHL debut on October 8 in a game against the Boston Bruins. Two days later, on October 10, Tkachuk scored his first NHL goal. He also scored two goals in that game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He scored his first NHL goal faster than his brother and father.

On October 17, Tkachuk found out he had a torn ligament in his leg. He had to miss about a month to get better. He returned to play on November 8, 2018, against the Vegas Golden Knights. On March 28, 2019, Tkachuk tied a team record. He had 12 shots on goal in one game against the Florida Panthers. In that same game, he scored his 20th goal of the season. This tied another team record for goals by a teenage player. Tkachuk finished the 2018–19 season with 22 goals. This was the second-highest among all NHL rookies that year.

Tkachuk (center) battling for position with Brian Dumoulin of the Seattle Kraken in 2024.

Becoming a Leader for the Senators

Tkachuk was named an alternate captain for the 2020–21 season. He was also chosen to play in the 2020 NHL All-Star Game. He replaced an injured player on the Atlantic Division team. He ended that season with 17 goals and 36 points in 56 games. He became known as a tough player for opponents and a leader for his team.

On October 14, 2021, Tkachuk signed a big seven-year contract with the Senators. Just 22 days later, on November 5, Tkachuk was named the tenth captain in Senators history. On November 27, 2021, Tkachuk was bitten by a player from the Los Angeles Kings. The other player was suspended for five games. On December 11, 2021, Tkachuk scored his first NHL hat trick. This means he scored three goals in one game. It happened in a 4–0 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

At the start of the 2022–23 season, Tkachuk was expected to play on the top line. But his teammate Josh Norris got a serious injury in October 2022. This made the Senators change their lines, and Tkachuk played with Tim Stützle. On December 2, 2022, Tkachuk played his 300th career game. He scored his 100th and 101st career goals. The 101st goal won the game in overtime. He also had an assist, completing a "Gordie Howe hat trick."

Tkachuk was chosen for the NHL All-Star Game in Florida. He played on the same team as his brother, Matthew. In a game on February 27, 2023, Tkachuk skated to the other team's bench. He challenged the entire Detroit Red Wings team. He scored a goal in that game, helping the Senators get closer to a playoff spot. The Senators were eliminated from the playoffs on April 7, 2023.

Playing for Team USA

Medal record
Representing  United States
Men's ice hockey
IIHF World U18 Championships
Gold	2017 Slovakia
World Junior Championships
Bronze	2018 United States

Tkachuk was the captain of the U.S. under-18 national team. They won the gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World U18 Championships.

He was also picked for the U.S. under-20 national team. They played in the 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Buffalo, New York. His team won the bronze medal there. Tkachuk also captained Team USA in the 2024 IIHF World Championship. They finished in fifth place.

Brady Tkachuk's Family and Background

Brady Tkachuk's father, Keith Tkachuk, was also a famous NHL player. Brady was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, when his dad played for the Phoenix Coyotes. He grew up in Creve Coeur, Missouri, near St. Louis. This was after his father joined the Blues in 2001.

His older brother, Matthew, is also a hockey star. Matthew is an alternate captain for the Florida Panthers. Brady's younger sister, Taryn, plays NCAA Division I field hockey. She plays for the University of Virginia. Both Brady and Matthew went to Oak Hill School and Chaminade College Preparatory School.

The Tkachuk family has Ukrainian roots on both sides. The name Tkachuk means "weaver" in Ukrainian. They also have Irish family history from his father's side.

The Tkachuk family is part of a "giant hockey family tree." Brady is related to many other current and former NHL players. His relatives include Tom Fitzgerald, Casey Fitzgerald, and Ryan Fitzgerald. He is also a cousin of Kevin Hayes and the late Jimmy Hayes. Brady's uncle, Craig Oster, is a hockey agent. He represents many NHL players, including Brady and his brother.

Brady Tkachuk married his longtime girlfriend, Emma Farinacci, in July 2023. Emma is the sister of Boston Bruins prospect John Farinacci. Brady and Emma welcomed their first child, a son named Ryder, on September 16, 2024. Ryder shares his birthday with his dad!

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2015	United States	U17	6th		5	2	3	5	4
2017	United States	U18			7	1	6	7	12
2018	United States	WJC			7	3	6	9	2
2024	United States	WC	5th		8	7	6	13	4
Junior totals					19	6	15	21	18
Senior totals					8	7	6	13	4

Awards and honors