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The Biggest Differences Between Brady Tkachuk’s Return & John Tavares Return

If you can believe it's been that long, John Tavares left the New York Islanders via free agency eight years ago via free agency to return home to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

By Russell Macias · The Hockey News

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 12:55 PM

Key Things to Know

Russell Macias argues the biggest difference between both player returns is that Ottawa acquired major assets for Tkachuk while the Islanders lost Tavares for nothing.
The Ottawa Senators defeated Brady Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers 5-1 on Wednesday, October 21.
Tkachuk scored the opening goal in his return, whereas Tavares was held scoreless in his 2019 return to Long Island.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Russell Macias compares Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa with John Tavares' 2019 return to Long Island. While both faced hostile receptions from their former fanbases, the Ottawa Senators defeated Tkachuk's Florida Panthers 5-1 on Wednesday, October 21. Unlike Tavares, who was held scoreless in his return, Tkachuk scored the game's opening goal.

The writer argues the biggest difference is how modern NHL teams manage pending free agents. While the New York Islanders lost Tavares for nothing in free agency, Ottawa proactively traded Tkachuk after he declined an extension, securing three first-round picks, a second-round pick, and winger William Eklund.

Read the full article on The Hockey News

The Biggest Differences Between Brady Tkachuk’s Return & John Tavares Return

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