Senators fans chant ‘Brady sucks’ in Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa
When the NHL schedule was released over the summer, Oct. 21 stood out immediately due to the matchup in Canada’s capital between the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers, set to mark Brady Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa after he requested and received a trade in June.
On Wednesday night, after a few months of waiting, the Ottawa faithful had their chance to let their former captain know how they felt about his decision. To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Tkachuk was showered with boos – and, of course, “Brady Sucks” chants prior to the game.
Senators general manager Steve Staios revealed shortly after the trade, which took place during the 2026 NHL Draft, that Tkachuk had specifically requested to be moved elsewhere. Before the game on Wednesday, Tkachuk addressed reporters, citing both personal and professional reasons that he had no plans to re-sign with the Senators upon the conclusion of his contract.
Still, Tkachuk attempted to strike a conciliatory tone with the fans who once adored him. On his podcast with his older brother Matthew, Brady announced that any jerseys tossed on to the ice during the game would be donated to the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club.
“I just know how special it’s going to be for me just to be there in front of the fans that supported me and were there for eight years ever since I got in the league, always supporting me and my family,” he said.
The younger Tkachuk brother got off to a slow start with his new team before making his presence felt in historic fashion last week. After going six games without a goal and with just one assist on his ledger for the year, Tkachuk rattled off natural hat tricks in consecutive wins over the Columbus Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks.
Tkachuk, who had spent his entire career in Ottawa after the Sens chose him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, was up to 10 points in 9 games with the Panthers entering Wednesday’s action. His career high in Ottawa 83 points, a peak he hit during the 2022-23 campaign.
Pending the result of the game, the Panthers and Senators are currently tied for third place in the Atlantic Division, with both teams having accrued 12 points in the standings through nine games.
