Drafted fourth overall by the Senators in 2018, Tkachuk was hailed as a cornerstone in the team's rebuild, destined to lead them back to playoff glory. His captaincy in 2021 cemented his status as Ottawa's franchise player, seemingly for the long haul. However, after another disappointing season culminating in yet another playoff miss in 2023-24, the landscape appears to be shifting.
Tkachuk, much like his brother Matthew with the Florida Panthers, is a player you love to hate�unless he's playing for your team. His gritty style and willingness to go to the dirty areas make him a coveted asset. While the Senators could fetch a hefty return, the question looms: would it be enough to compensate for the loss of their captain and franchise cornerstone?
With the offseason looming just around the corner, the fate of Brady Tkachuk hangs in the balance. Notably, he recently set an NHL record for most hits in a single game with 16 against the New Jersey Devils on April 6. Yet if he's traded though, Ottawa will get back a haul for the 24 year-old who still has four years left on his contract with an $8.21 million cap hit.