Sens' Tkachuk says he's not focused on contract extension yet

The Ottawa Senators and franchise winger Brady Tkachuk aren't prioritizing contract talks in the early stages of the 2021 NHL season.

"I love it here. I love the people here, love the community," Tkachuk said during his media availability Wednesday, according to TSN. "But ... we haven't really been talking about that and we don't know how the salary cap is going to look for the next couple years. Honestly, I don't think that's the focus right now on both sides.

"Our only goal right now is to do what we can every single day and make (the) playoffs."

Tkachuk's entry-level contract is set to expire after this season. Ottawa drafted him fourth overall in 2018.

The 21-year-old, who's quickly evolved into a leader on the up-and-coming Senators, is playing top-line minutes early this season. Tkachuk has registered 92 points and 491 hits in 145 games during his career.

Ottawa is projected to have over $34 million in cap space next season, according to CapFriendly. However, the club currently has just 12 players signed.