Overview
- The Senators traded captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in late June in exchange for multiple first-round picks and a second-round pick.
- Tkachuk said at the NHL/NHLPA media tour that the choice was emotional, that joining his brother Matthew was a major factor, and that some online narratives about the move are inaccurate.
- Ottawa used part of the draft return, including the No. 9 pick, to acquire skill winger William Eklund who is expected to play on the top line with Tim Stutzle as the team shifts toward more playmaking offense.
- Thomas Chabot and other Senators have expressed clear disappointment over Tkachuk’s exit and the club has left the captaincy open while internal leaders are considered to fill the void.
- The Panthers visit Ottawa on Oct. 21, a matchup that media and team sources say will provide an early measure of fan reaction, team identity and how well Ottawa’s roster changes are coming together.