Senators Owner Suggests Family Influence in Brady Tkachuk's Trade Request
Michel Andlauer claims Keith Tkachuk and Matthew Tkachuk played a role in Brady's decision to seek a trade from Ottawa to Florida.
Ottawa Senators owner Michel Andlauer has suggested that Brady Tkachuk's father, Keith Tkachuk, and brother, Matthew Tkachuk, influenced the NHL captain's request to be traded to the Florida Panthers. Andlauer stated that "blood is thicker than water" and that Keith and Matthew "got in his kitchen," leading to Brady's decision to join his brother in Florida.
Andlauer's comments came after Tkachuk, who spent eight seasons with the Senators and served as captain, was traded to the Panthers. "Ultimately, the decision was made to go and play with his brother. It’s a decision that was out of our control to a certain degree," Andlauer told The Athletic. He emphasized that a player must want to play for Ottawa and that the team's fans remained supportive of Tkachuk throughout the process.
Tkachuk has reportedly denied that his family swayed his trade request. He faced questions about his commitment to the Senators following the team's first-round playoff exit. Andlauer described Tkachuk as an exemplary captain, leader, and role model during his tenure in Ottawa, highlighting his significant contributions to the community and his strong connection with the fans.
The trade has added a notable subplot to the upcoming NHL season, with the Panthers scheduled to visit Ottawa on October 21.