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    Brady Tkachuk didn’t intend to re-sign

    AdminBy No Comments3 Mins Read0 Views


    NHL star Brady Tkachuk has a new home with the Florida Panthers. On Sunday, the Panthers announced they acquired Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators in a trade deal. The Senators received three first-round draft selections and one second-round selection in return.

    While Tkachuk’s trade came as a surprise to many, it’s now been revealed that the 26-year-old had full control. On SportsCenter, hockey reporter Emil Kaplan said that Tkachuk dictated where he wanted to go, and further revealed Florida was his preference.

    “It was pretty clear to Ottawa that Brady Tkachuk wanted a change of scenery, and he did not intend to re-sign with them next summer when he was eligible for an extension. So, they engaged with a small handful of teams, all in American markets. Brady Tkachuk had full control here… He got to dictate in the end where he wanted to go, and it was very clear his preference was Florida.”

    Brady’s move to the Florida Panthers means he will unite with his brother, Matthew Tkachuk. The union of the two brothers is something NHL fans have wished to see, and next season it will become a reality.

    Brady Tkachuk’s trade to the Florida Panthers is a complete U-turn from what he said earlier

    Brady clicked while playing [Image via Getty]
    Brady clicked while playing [Image via Getty]

    While Brady Tkachuk’s trade to the Florida Panthers is a celebration for Florida fans, Ottawa Senators fans will most likely be shocked. One major reason these fans would be shocked is that Tkachuk indicated his desire to stay with Ottawa nearly two months ago.

    When trade rumors surrounding Brady were at their peak in April, the ex-Senators star expressed his frustration. Brady said these rumors were distracting and added he was fully committed to the team and city.

    “I feel like I’ve answered this hundreds of times… None of those things ever came out of my mouth. And quite honestly, it’s just getting frustrating. It’s becoming a distraction. I have been fully committed to this team, to the city, and it’s just becoming a distraction and frustrating to deal with.”

    While Brady Tkachuk’s change in stance might get him on the bad side of Senators fans, he has been welcomed with open arms by Florida. In a statement to NHL,com, Panthers’ President of Hockey Operations and GM Bill Zito called Tkachuk a “dynamic competitor” and added that the franchise is thrilled to welcome him.