Brady Tkachuk responds to Senators owner, addresses reasons for Ottawa exit: ‘I’m a big boy’

Tkachuk and the Panthers are in Ottawa for the first time since the winger was traded to Florida in June.

The Athletic

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 6:30 PM

Key Things to Know

Brady Tkachuk stated his decision to leave Ottawa was entirely his own, rejecting claims his family influenced him.
Senators owner Michael Andlauer previously claimed Tkachuk's father and brother heavily impacted the forward's exit.
Tkachuk joined the Florida Panthers via trade after stating he would not extend his Ottawa contract past 2028.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Florida Panthers forward Brady Tkachuk pushed back against Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer's claims that his family influenced his offseason departure. Ahead of his return to Ottawa on Wednesday, Tkachuk stated that leaving the Senators was entirely his own decision rather than the result of outside pressure from his father Keith or brother Matthew.

Tkachuk explained that he informed Ottawa management he would not re-sign past 2028 because he wanted to join a club capable of contending each season. Andlauer had previously asserted that Tkachuk's family swayed the decision, but Tkachuk affirmed he harbors no resentment toward Ottawa's fans regardless of how they greet him.

Read the full article on The Athletic

Brady Tkachuk responds to Senators owner, addresses reasons for Ottawa exit: ‘I’m a big boy’

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