Senators preparing to start season without Tkachuk

The Ottawa Senators are getting ready to begin the 2021-22 season without Brady Tkachuk.

Head coach D.J. Smith said Tuesday that he is preparing to start the campaign without the star forward, according to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch, as Tkachuk remains without a new contract.

The 22-year-old restricted free agent has yet to strike a new deal or report to training camp. The Senators' season begins Oct. 14.

It was reported in September that the two sides were progressing toward an agreement on a long-term pact. Tkachuk is one of the final restricted free agents who doesn't have a new contract after the Vancouver Canucks inked Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes last week.

The Senators drafted Tkachuk fourth overall in 2018, and he quickly turned into one of the team's biggest stars alongside Thomas Chabot and Tim Stutzle. He scored 17 goals last season and led the team with 36 points.