OTTAWA -- Since arriving in Ottawa on Monday, Brady Tkachuk hasn’t been able to wipe the smile off his face. Selected fourth overall in the Entry Draft only a week ago, the youngster brings a positive vibe and fresh approach to a Senators organization in desperate need of a boost.

"It’s one of the best organizations in hockey. I may be a little biased," Tkachuk told Sporting News after the first day of development camp. “But from top to bottom, from management to all the trainers, to the equipment side - they work so hard to make you feel like we’re a whole family. They look out for you. We’ve been told if anything happens, they’ll help.”

The team-first quote is par for the course for most NHL players. And while Tkachuk is just days into what could be the precursor to his rookies season, the second-generation player is anything but a rookie when it comes to the NHL's world.

After hanging out in NHL buildings, literally his entire life, following dad Keith and brother Matthew’s footsteps, the youngest of the Tkachuk clan appears focused to start his career as a Senator.

“I don’t feel the pressure," Tkachuk said. "I try to learn every day, soak up all the information from all of the people teaching us. I want to learn something from each person. If I do that I’ll be happy.”

Captain of the 2017 United States that won gold at the 2017 IIHF under-18 championships, Tkachuk has been in leadership roles before. The 6-foot-3, 192 pound forward was the first of the Senators’ prospects to hit the ice and one of the last to leave – leading the cool-down stretch. Player development coach Shean Donovan said Tkachuk went out of his way to shake the hands of former players Brendan Bell, Chris Kelly, Chris Neil when they were introduced as guest speakers to the group.

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While there was animated debate among the Senators’ fan base whether the team should’ve selected the gritty Tkachuk or Moosehead’s sniper Filip Zadina, Ottawa general manage Pierre Dorion said he “was ecstatic” the Boston University player didn’t have his name called by the Canadiens, who picked third.

“At our pick at four … we talked the last few days about accountability, character, leadership," Dorion said. "We know Brady Tkachuk brings a lot of those elements to the table. We feel Brady will be an integral part of our team. And it could be as soon as this September.”

Tkachuk scored eight goals for the Terriers in his freshman season, but it wasn't for a lack of shot volume. Tkachuk, who turned 18 right before the start of the college season, led all NCAA freshman in shots (131 in 40 games) and led his Boston University team in assists (23). TSN scouting guru Craig Button said Tkachuk would have scored 25-30, if he played Major Junior during a radio interview.

Tkachuk, whose junior rights are held by the OHL London Knights, hasn't announced where he'll play hockey next season. It remains possible he remains in the amateur pool but jumps from the college ranks, and his former college coach, David Quinn, accepted the same post for the New York Rangers.

And while Tkachuk didn't produce eye-popping scoring numbers in his draft-eligible season, he did produce in big moments. Tkachuk excelled when playing with younger competition during the 2018 World Junior tourney – notching three goals, nine points in seven games. His shootout goal versus a stunned Canadian team outdoors at Buffalo’s New Era Field, was the game-clincher. He also had assists in each of Boston University's NCAA tournament games.

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Donovan, who is running this summer’s version of Development Camp, said he liked what he saw of Tkachuk last season.

“I watched Brady play seven games along with (Trent Mann, Senators chief amateur scout). Even if he’s not scoring, he finds ways of dragging his team into the game," Donovan said. "Guys like Brad Marchand can do that. He tries to get a feel for the game."

Tkachuk himself compared his pugnacious style to that of the Flyers' Wayne Simmonds when asked by Don Cherry to name his favourite player during the Stanley Cup Final.

The Senators haven’t had a roster player with similar traits since the days of Mike Fisher.

The question remaining for Sens fans: Will Tkachuk open the season in Ottawa?

“I’m going to take it day-by-day. Obviously, this is a level I haven’t been part of," Tkachuk said. "The NHL is another level ahead of that. I’m going to take slow. There is no rush. I want to see what the team, my parents and my advisor have to say.”

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Having familiarity with the Senators' Logan Brown, a childhood friend who played minor hockey with Tkachuk growing up in St. Louis may assist his decision. A fellow Ottawa prospect and development camp attendee in Alex Formenton is also on London's roster.

“It definitely helps knowing guys. I’ve known Logan my whole life. I know (Colin White) from playing with my brother (Matthew in the US National Development Program)," Tkachuk said. "It gives me a comfort level. They make me feel like I’m part of this.”