The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for the new NHL season with significant changes in their lineup, particularly with the departure of their long-time captain, Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers on June 21, a move he requested, which has left a noticeable impact on the team. His absence is felt deeply by players who regarded him as a vital part of the Senators’ identity, but the squad is determined to move forward and embrace the upcoming challenges.
Reflecting on Tkachuk’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
During his eight seasons with the Ottawa Senators, Brady Tkachuk amassed an impressive 463 points, comprising 213 goals and 250 assists across 572 regular-season games. Known for his physical style of play, he was an integral player for the team. His exit was surprising, especially considering his late-season remarks about his commitment to both the team and the city of Ottawa.
Defenseman Thomas Chabot expressed disappointment over Tkachuk’s trade during the Senators Foundation Charity Golf Tournament, but he conveyed that there are no hard feelings and wished Tkachuk the best in Florida. Forward Drake Batherson shared his surprise regarding the trade, which resulted in the Senators acquiring two first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft (Nos. 9 and 25), a second-round pick in 2027, and a conditional first-round pick in 2029. Batherson and his teammates recognize the urgent need to fill Tkachuk’s shoes, particularly his blend of offensive skill and physicality.
Despite Tkachuk’s departure, the Senators have shown promise in the past two seasons, qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a seven-year hiatus. Last season, they finished as the Eastern Conference’s second wild card. With rising expectations and a competitive Atlantic Division, the focus is now on the current roster, which has welcomed new talents like William Eklund, Andre Burakovsky, and goaltender Samuel Ersson.
With Tkachuk gone, the captaincy remains vacant. General manager Steve Staois has indicated that the Senators may start the season without a named successor. Chabot, who is entering his 10th season after being drafted 18th overall in 2015, expressed that being named captain would be an honor and acknowledged that several teammates possess strong leadership qualities. Last season, he tallied 31 points with seven goals and 24 assists in 57 games, averaging an impressive 22:35 of ice time.
As for Batherson, he is currently in the final year of a six-year, $29.85 million contract signed on September 3, 2021, and he can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Batherson aims to secure a new deal before the training camp opens next week, following a standout season where he finished second on the team in goals (33) and points (71).
The Ottawa Senators are set to open their season on October 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and as they embark on this new chapter, the focus will be on teamwork and resilience in the face of change.