In a Father’s Day blockbuster, the Ottawa Senators traded captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, uniting him with older brother Matthew, for three first-round draft picks (Nos. 9 and 25 this season, another in 2029 that is top-10) and a second-rounder in 2027.
Some quick context, according to multiple sources.
Tkachuk missed the Senators’ exit meetings for an excellent reason: the birth of his second child, hours after the team was eliminated from the playoffs. When he did meet with general manager Steve Staios, there were conversations about Tkachuk’s long-term future; whether or not he saw himself extending in the Canadian capital following the conclusion of his current contract in July 2028.
It’s clear Tkachuk's answer sent Ottawa into uncertainty. After further conversations, a list from Tkachuk's camp was submitted before the draft combine to the Senators including four teams: Carolina, Florida, Minnesota and Vegas.
But, according to several sources, it became clear the preference was alongside Matthew in South Florida. Since Brady had a full no-move clause, the Senators ultimately had two choices: hold or make the best deal they could.
They chose the latter — really their only option. The debate around Tkachuk’s future was a never-ending annoyance in the market and in the dressing room.
Eventually this was going to get out, and become an even more uncontrollable distraction. It’s painful in the moment, but no doubt Ottawa, which is trying to contend, will use these picks to try and immediately improve itself.
It also reinforces the Panthers as a major problem in the East, one year removed from back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.
