Just In: Senators’ GM Clears Up Brady Tkachuk Trade Rumors
The trade deadline chatter in Ottawa has peaked with speculations surrounding the future of a few Ottawa Senators players. The latest rumors have turned towards the team’s captain, Brady Tkachuk, being at the core of trade discussions. Nonetheless, Senators’ President and General Manager Steve Staios has strongly dismissed these rumors, clarifying the situation during a recent appearance on a podcast.
During an interview on the Got Yer Back podcast with TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun and Ryan Rishaug, Staios firmly rejected any talks of trading Tkachuk. Responding to a social media speculation, Staios emphasized, “That is completely untrue. There is no credibility to that. We are constructing this team around Brady Tkachuk and the qualities he possesses as a person, player, and leader.”
"That could not be further from the truth…"
Sens president of hockey ops & GM Steve Staios shoots down social media rumours of the team 'maybe' moving captain Brady Tkachuk, and also discusses the trade deadline with @PierreVLeBrun on @GotYerBackPod: https://t.co/XCUJmPDQrl
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) February 28, 2024
The rumors gained traction following a social media post by former NHL defenseman Ryan Whitney, who co-hosts the Spittin Chiclets podcast. Whitney hinted that the Senators might be contemplating moving Tkachuk, although he didn’t fully endorse the claims, but indicated there was some conversation around it. Furthermore, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports hinted that Whitney’s information could have originated from Tkachuk’s father, Keith Tkachuk, creating additional intrigue. Although speculation linked Tkachuk to the St. Louis Blues, there was no concrete evidence to support this.
Nevertheless, Staios rejected these ideas, underscoring Tkachuk’s significant role within the team and the organization’s dedication to building the team around him.
False Trade Rumors: The Senators Will Not Trade Their Franchise Player
Despite Tkachuk’s earlier hope for the Senators’ playoff prospects, the team currently sits at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, trailing 16 points behind the final Wild Card playoff position. Tkachuk’s impressive individual performance, tallying 26 goals and 50 points in 56 games, has failed to elevate the Senators’ standing in the league.
Nonetheless, the Senators remain committed to both their team and Tkachuk. He is viewed as a player keen to contribute to the team’s success, and the organization believes they are on the brink of competitiveness.
As the March 8 trade deadline approaches, Ottawa faces critical decisions. However, trading Tkachuk is not on the table.
