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Tkachuk's Ottawa future in doubt

The Ottawa Senators have enjoyed what has been for the most part another successful campaign this year after breaking their long postseason drought dating back to 2017 last season. They have followed up that performance with another playoff berth this year as they posted a 44-27-11 regular season record with 99 points in the standings.

What undid their 24-25 season was the playoffs as they lost in the first round to the Toronto Maple Leafs. And it appears the same thing is occurring this year as they currently face a 3-0 series deficit to the Carolina Hurricanes. They will look to avoid consecutive first round exits and getting swept in Game 4 today.

Chief amongst the Senators struggles in this series has been the play of team captain Brady Tkachuk. He has been a non-factor in this matchup as three games into the series he has yet to record a point.

Brady Tkachuk Could be on the Move

Tkachuk’s playoff struggles have called in question his long term future in Ottawa as he does not have much time remaining on his current deal that expires in 2028. Insider Frank Seravalli spoke about this: “I’ve never questioned his heart and his commitment to win…but in some ways I can’t help but feel like he’s been a little bit checked out in Ottawa, and I don’t know if that’s post-Olympics or what.”

Brady has been a key part of the Senators team identity since he was drafted to the squad in 2018. His hard-nosed in your face game as a power forward who can get on the scoresheet has been a great fit there. But with that said the lack of success on the ice could be testing his patience. It took Ottawa seven years into his tenure to make the postseason and barring a miracle comeback versus Carolina have yet to win a playoff series.

This series has to be especially frustrating for Tkachuk considering the contrast of success on the big stage for him this year. Outside of his Ottawa obligations, he took home the gold medal with Team USA in the 2026 Olympics. He was a crucial key to USA’s success in the tournament as he registered three goals and two assists in six games.

Brady’s Brother Faced a Similar Conundrum

It would not be unprecedented for a Tkachuk brother to leave a Canadian team after a stretch lacking results come playoff time. Brady’s brother Matthew Tkachuk was traded from his former Calgary Flames squad to the Florida Panthers in 2022 with Jonathan Huberdeau coming back the other way. Matthew has gone on to win multiple Stanley Cups in Florida after a run in Calgary that saw little postseason success. Could history repeat itself with Brady?

It would be in Ottawa’s best interest to keep Brady for what he provides to this group as a productive forward and leader. However, if Tkachuk became available teams would be lining up for his services as players of his archetype are hard to find today.

Tkachuk amassed 22 goals and 37 assists for 59 points in 60 games with Ottawa in the regular season this year. Over the course of his eight year stint with the organization, he has totaled 213 goals and 250 assists for 463 points in 572 games of regular season play. He has scored four goals and added three assists in nine career playoff games.