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Tkachuk's Family Ties Fueled Ottawa Exit
23 Sep
Summary
- Owner suggests Tkachuk's father and brother influenced his departure.
- Tkachuk spent eight years with the Senators, five as captain.
- Andlauer praised Tkachuk's leadership and community contributions.
Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer recently commented on Brady Tkachuk's departure from the team, suggesting family played a significant role. Andlauer told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun that Tkachuk's father, Keith, and brother, Matthew, "got in his kitchen," implying their influence on his decision to seek a trade. Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in June after requesting to leave the organization he had been with for eight years, serving as captain for five of those seasons.
Despite the circumstances of Tkachuk's exit, Andlauer expressed appreciation for his tenure. He described Tkachuk as an exemplary captain, leader, and role model for the Senators and the Ottawa community. Andlauer highlighted the positive impact Tkachuk and his wife, Emma, had, noting that "fans knew it." The owner also downplayed concerns about other American players potentially leaving, emphasizing that players like Tyler Kleven and Shane Pinto are committed to the team. The Senators have since focused on retaining their core, signing Drake Batherson to an eight-year extension worth $10.75 million annually.
