Brady Tkachuk Finally Responds To Trade Rumors

After the wild rumors emerged last week that the New York Rangers had their sights set on landing the Ottawa Senators' heart and soul, Brady Tkachuk, the Sens have fought back, denying that they've had any talks at all with another team about their captain, and had no intention of trading him. Now Tkachuk himself is finally addressing the rumors:

Brady Tkachuk says he spoke with GM Steve Staios and hadn’t seen the report. Wants to be here and believes in this group. #SENS
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) December 10, 2024

Senators insider Bruce Garrioch tells us that Tkachuk says he hadn't even seen the report (which came from Rangers insider Larry Brooks), while adding that he wants to stay in Ottawa and "believes in this group."

It’s stuff I can’t control so it doesn’t really bother me.

Of course, what else would you think Tkachuk would say? That he doesn't believe in his team? That he doesn't want to be there?

Senators owner Michael Andlauer has come out and blasted the Brooks report, saying that Tkachuk is not up for trade, and even claiming he sees it as "soft tampering" and wants an investigation.

But Brooks is doubling down, appearing on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast.

"I thought it was a joke when someone told me there was gonna be an investigation," laughed Brooks.

"I had been told earlier last week that Brady Tkachuk was a target of the Rangers. And then I was told a second time. And then I was told by a third party that the Rangers' priority was to try and find a way to get Brady Tkachuk.

"I had heard some talk that there was some sensitivity in Ottawa about whether they were going to be able to keep him."

Is this the end of this story? Likely not, as upheaval seems to follow the Ottawa Senators around (and this season, the same could be said in New York).