Western Conference Team Named Perfect Fit for Senators' Brady Tkachuk

Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek has floated a hypothetical scenario involving Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.

Marek, describing a fantasy scenario on Tuesday’s episode of “The Sheet” show, suggested that if he ever became available in the future, the Dallas Stars would be the team best positioned to pursue him in terms of fit.

The analyst emphasized that this was purely speculation, not a report of active trade discussions, making clear the fit would be perfect between the Western Conference contenders and Tkachuk.

“Ottawa Senators fans: I don’t think this is happening right now, so just like, everybody calm down,” Marek said. “But if Brady Tkachuk was ever available — I know there’s always noise about (the New York) Rangers — Dallas is the team.”

Added Marek: “I think they’d move heaven and earth for someone like Brady. These types of players is what Dallas is looking for.”

Marek pointed to Dallas’ long-standing interest in physical, high-impact forwards, highlighting general manager Jim Nill’s history of targeting players with that profile, such as the Florida Panthers’ Sam Bennett and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Mathieu Olivier.

After three consecutive trips to the Western Conference final ending in losses, the Stars could add a top-six forward to complement Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz to make the final jump and get into the Stanley Cup Final once and for all.

For now, though, Tkachuk appears firmly entrenched in Ottawa.

Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) looks on during a stoppage of play at Canadian Tire Centre.David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The 26-year-old Senators captain is signed through 2027–28 on a seven-year, $57.5 million contract, and he has repeatedly voiced confidence in the Senators’ direction. As training camp opened this week, he raised the bar for team expectations.

“Playoffs is great, but it’s not about just getting in the playoffs anymore,” Tkachuk said. “Probably the best I’ve felt,” he added after a summer of full training.

Tkachuk led Ottawa in scoring during last season’s playoff run, its first in eight years, and said the team’s first-round exit to Toronto will only serve as fuel entering the 2025-26 season.

“We didn’t get the job done, but I think we’re going to take these lessons and be that much better because of it,” Tkachuk said.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Western Conference Team Named Perfect Fit for Senators’ Brady Tkachuk

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