Ottawa Senators: Brady Tkachuk Signs Seven-Year Deal
Tkachuk finally agrees to contract to remain in Ottawa
After a standoff that felt like forever, the Ottawa Senators and Brady Tkachuk agreed to terms on a seven-year contract worth $57.5 million (8.214 AAV).
The deal contains no signing bonuses as expected, carries a value of $4 million (Year 1), $6.5 million (Year 2), $10.5 million (Year 3-5), $8.5 million (Year 6), and $7 million (Year 7). Taken at face value this may seem like a bit of an overpayment based on Tkachuk’s production, but when you take the impact that the power forward has on the organization both on and off the ice, the deal is well worth it. With Tkachuk now committed long term, Senators fans no longer have to worry about being able to retain their star players, a tremendous moment for this deserving, passionate fanbase.
Tkachuk obviously won’t be in the lineup tonight when the Senators kick off their season, and there’s no exact timetable for his return, but D.J. Smith hinted that the wait may be between 7-10 days:
DJ Smith - The likelihood is 7-10 days between the time Tkachuk gets here and is able to play. We have to see what kind of shape he is in when he signs and gets here. You want him to be ready and not just throw him in.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) October 12, 2021
However, Tkachuk will be in the building and I wouldn’t be in the least bit surprised to see him introduced as the 10th captain in Ottawa Senators history at tonight’s home opener. It’s been reported that the heart-and-soul of the Senators will be in the building for tonight’s game:
Expectation is Brady Tkachuk will NOT play tonight with #Sens in opener but will be in the building. @DFOHockey
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 14, 2021
I would expect some theatrics prior to tonight’s contest.
Looking ahead on the Senators schedule, a realistic return for Tkachuk could be a week from today, on October 21st when they host Erik Karlsson’s San Jose Sharks, if not then, it would likely be on the 23rd versus the New York Rangers.
Final Thoughts
Throw contract details out the window, all that matters is that the future of the Senators franchise, the player that they had built their whole rebuild around has now signed long-term, as a fan of the Senators you can’t ask for much more. The direction of the team is now back on track, over the last month or so, many fans, deservedly so, have grown frustrated with the franchise due to their lack of progress with Tkachuk’s contract talks, now that he’s onboard, it allows fans to fully commit to the product as well.
Prepare yourselves for a great season of hockey, and as always – Go Sens Go