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Why the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup run might spell disaster for the Ottawa Senators

The Florida Panthers are three wins away from the Stanley Cup Finals, which might not be good for the Ottawa Senators. It sounds ridiculous, but hear me out.

By John Fye

Mar 6, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) waits for play to begin during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) waits for play to begin during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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The Florida Panthers are sniffing the Stanley Cup Finals for the second straight year, and Matthew Tkachuk is undoubtedly enjoying the ride. Meanwhile, his younger brother Brady Tkachuk is heading home after the U.S.’s elimination in the IIHF World Championship quarterfinals. Of course, the younger Tkachuk was thrust onto the global rink because the Ottawa Senators failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Call me paranoid, but I fear the lack of NHL success in Ottawa will cause the current Senators’ captain to question his desire to remain in Ottawa.

The Tkachuk family is known as the “giant hockey family tree,” a tree that is rooted in success. Indeed, Brady Tkachuk played for competitive teams with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, Boston University, and the U.S. under-20 National team. But since being drafted by the Senators, the 24-year-old has been a member of a team that finished no better than sixth in its division.

Will big bro’s multiple Cup runs cause Brady Tkachuk to question the Senators’ potential to build a contender?

Ottawa named Tkachuk team captain in 2021, signaling the franchise’s intent to build around the young winger. However, instability from ownership to the Sens’ top six has left Tkachuk’s team in the Atlantic division cellar. Thus, one can’t help but wonder if all the losing hockey will begin to wear on the youngest son of Keith Tkachuk.

Brady Tkachuk is many things, including a competitor, and competitors like to compete. But it’s tough to compete on a team that is consistently an NHL Draft lottery squad. I’m sure many Sens fans will refuse to believe the team captain would ask for a trade, but we’ve seen it before in pro sports. Not long ago, Jack Eichel requested a trade from the Buffalo Sabres despite wearing the “C” on his sweater.

Tkachuk is currently under contract with the Ottawa Senators through 2027-28. I like to believe he’s committed to leading the club through the transition to a new era with head coach Travis Green. Still, I can’t blame Tkachuk for frustration regarding the Sens’ inability to build a contender. And as person who hates to lose more than he likes to win, I’d question my time in Ottawa, assuming the situation remains status quo in 2024-25.

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Not long ago, the Florida Panthers missed the playoffs in six of seven seasons. Since then, the Cats have ripped off five straight Stanley Cup Playoff appearances, including back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances. Perhaps the Sens can learn a thing or two about how Florida reconstructed their roster to secure prolonged success.

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