Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer says Brady Tkachuk’s path to the Florida Panthers was shaped in part by family pressure.
Speaking to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, Andlauer pointed to Tkachuk’s father, Keith, and brother, Matthew, as a major factor in the move. “Blood is thicker than water, and let's just say that his father and his brother got in his kitchen,” Andlauer said, adding, “Ultimately, the decision was made to go and play with his brother.
It's a decision that was out of our control to a certain degree. But you have to want to play for Ottawa.
And right to the end, our fans were behind Brady, even after Team USA won gold. I have no doubt in my mind.”
The Senators sent Brady Tkachuk to Florida in June in a deal that brought back three first-round picks. Tkachuk had been Ottawa’s captain for five seasons before the trade, and he later said on the “Wingmen” podcast that his choice “wasn't about” his brother.
Andlauer also brushed off the idea that Tkachuk’s exit could trigger a larger wave of American players leaving Ottawa, calling that possibility “overhyped.”
“We've got Tyler Kleven and Shane Pinto as well, who are Americans, and they're very important pieces of our organization,” Andlauer said. “I feel strongly that they're all Senators. They have the culture of caring.
“And with Jake (Sanderson), first of all, his father (former NHLer Geoff) is a proud Canadian. Jake, for the most part, grew up in Calgary.
Don't compare Jake to Brady. What a privilege to have Jake Sanderson on our hockey club.”
Even with the split, Andlauer made clear he still values what Tkachuk gave the organization.
“In his eight years with the Ottawa Senators, and during his time as captain, he was an exemplary captain for us and leader and role model,” Andlauer said. “He cared about the community.
He and his wife, Emma, did more than any other player. The Boys and Girls Club, he cared deeply.
And the fans knew it. Our fans are loyal, and they're intelligent.
And they loved Brady.”
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