Tkachuk Won't Commit Long Term to the Senators

The Ottawa Senators and Brady Tkachuk are in a stand still. The young forward recently rejected a long-term contract from the team, as he's not interested in committing for eight years to the franchise at this time.

You can't necessarily blame Tkachuk for being hesitant in signing a long ticket as the Senators are an up and coming team and who knows, they may not develop into a contender. Tkachuk wants to keep his options open in a couple of years to ensure he's putting himself in the best situation possible. It's the exact same approach his brother Matthew took with the Calgary Flames and you can bet your bottom dollar he's been in his brother's ear the whole time helping him out with the awkward process.

Lack of communication from Ottawa to the Brady Tkachuk camp is a big reason of what’s preventing Tkachuk from being signed. The Senators Owner has a history of this with star players. The team is set only on signing Tkachuk to a 7 or 8 year term vs doing a bridge deal. 1/2

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) October 5, 2021

As for the Sens, they want Tkachuk in the lineup but are ready to move on to start the season without him. The team also recently lost Colin White who went down with a shoulder injury and will be out several months. Look for rookie Shane Pinto to take White's spot and is someone who could be a breakout star in 2021-22.

Tkachuk is looking for a three year deal and word is Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is fed up with the contract talks already and has recently cut off communication to Tkachuk. Not sure this tactic will work but as of right now the Senators aren't sure what to do. Tkachuk knows what he wants and you can't fault him for that.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports