For a while, there have been rumors that Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk might leave the team. In the NHL, it’s not unusual for big-name players to want a change if they think they can win more somewhere else. But according to a well-known Senators reporter, fans can relax — Tkachuk isn’t going anywhere for now.
That’s great news for Ottawa because the team is finally heading in the right direction. After years of rebuilding and missing the playoffs, the Senators are starting to look like a team that can compete. And with Tkachuk leading them, the future looks bright.
Brady Tkachuk Wants To Win With the Senators
Last season was a turning point for Ottawa. For the first time since 2017, the Senators made it back to the Stanley Cup playoffs. They didn’t go far, but just getting there was a huge step. It showed the team what it takes to perform in the high-pressure world of playoff hockey.
Tkachuk has been a huge part of that progress. He’s not just the captain because of his skill; he’s the emotional leader of the team. On the ice, he plays with grit, fights for pucks, and stands up for his teammates. Off the ice, he’s the kind of leader every team wants: focused, determined, and loyal to the city and its fans.
Postmedia reporter Bruce Garrioch said Tkachuk wants to have postseason success with the Senators:
“I think it was important for them to make the playoffs last year; I think some frustration would have grown in that camp; Tkachuk has always wanted to do it here.”
That last part is key, as it implies Tkachuk’s dream is to win in Ottawa, not somewhere else.
Tkachuk will turn 26 in September and has been the captain since 2021. While his brother, Matthew, has already reached the Stanley Cup Final with the Florida Panthers, Brady is still chasing that kind of team success. He’s under contract for three more years at $8.2 million a season, which gives the Senators time to prove they can be serious contenders.
The good news for Ottawa is that they’ve built a strong core around him. Tim Stützle is one of the most exciting young players in the league. Jake Sanderson is developing into a reliable top defenseman. Thomas Chabot brings veteran stability. New goalie Linus Ullmark adds confidence in the net. And the recent trade for Dylan Cozens should give them more scoring power.
This group has a real shot at making the playoffs again and going deeper this time. The next few years will be important. If the team keeps improving, there’s a good chance Tkachuk will want to stick around for the long term.
For now, the message is clear: The rumors about Tkachuk leaving are over. He’s here, the Senators are on the rise, and the journey ahead could be one of the most exciting chapters in team history.