Brady Tkachuk fires back at Senators owner's family claim with memorable statement

Brady Tkachuk says leaving Ottawa was his decision and nobody else's.

The Florida Panthers winger spoke Wednesday ahead of his first game back at Canadian Tire Centre, answering Senators owner Michael Andlauer, who said in September that Tkachuk's father and brother pushed him toward a trade.

Tkachuk said he saw the remarks and that Andlauer can think what he wants.

He insisted the choice was entirely his own, adding that he's a grown man who can decide what's best for himself and his family.

Andlauer spoke with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.

He argued that family ties drew Tkachuk to Florida, pointing to Keith Tkachuk, a member of the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class, and Matthew Tkachuk, who plays for the Panthers.

He also said the Senators had limited control over the outcome and that a player has to want to be in Ottawa.

Andlauer was not all negative. He praised Tkachuk as a model captain and leader, and said fans backed him to the very end.

Ottawa sent Tkachuk to Florida on June 21 after general manager Steve Staios said the winger asked to be moved.

The Senators received three first-round picks and a 2027 second-rounder.

Tkachuk played all eight of his NHL seasons in Ottawa, captained the club for five of them, and finished with 213 goals and 463 points in 572 games.

The Panthers visit the Senators tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Both sides have now had their say, so all eyes turn to how Ottawa fans greet their former captain when he steps on the ice in a visiting jersey.

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