Senators owner pulls no punches on Brady Tkachuk trade request

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer did not hold back when discussing the Brady Tkachuk trade request.

Mr. Andlauer spoke to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun on the sidelines of the Board of Governors’ meeting on Tuesday. The Senators’ owner made clear that the junior Tkachuk had a very specific reason for wanting out of Ottawa.

“Blood is thicker than water, and let’s just say that his father and his brother got in his kitchen. Ultimately, the decision was made to go and play with his brother. It’s a decision that was out of our control to a certain degree.”

The comments point towards older brother Matthew Tkachuk and father Keith influencing Brady’s decision to ask out of Ottawa, hence the reference to certain things being out of the Senators’ control.

It’s too bad that things ended up that way. But according to Mr. Andlauer, there don’t appear to be any hard feelings between Brady Tkachuk and the organization.

“In his eight years with the Ottawa Senators, and during his time as captain, he was an exemplary captain for us and leader and role model. He cared about the community. He and his wife, Emma, did more than any other player. The Boys and Girls Club — he cared deeply. And the fans knew it. Our fans are loyal and they’re intelligent. And they loved Brady.”

Yes, Mr. Andlauer’s comments were spoken like a true gentleman. But you have to think that some of the comments were just politically correct rhetoric.

Senators players have to want to play for Ottawa

Playing for the Ottawa Senators, like any other NHL franchise, really, is something that a player must desire.

And that’s something that Mr. Andlauer made clear in his comments on Tuesday.

“But you have to want to play for Ottawa. And right to the end, our fans were behind Brady — even after Team USA won gold. I have no doubt in my mind.”

Yes, the fans didn’t turn on Tkachuk unlike some of the online chatter suggested. However, that situation did not preclude the Senators from moving on.

“We’ve created that culture, and the commitment that we made with Drake sends a strong signal to our fans and to our players that we want to win.”

Had the Senators traded Batherson, it could have sent the worst possible signal to the Senators’ fanbase.

That’s not the case, and as Mr. Andlauer pointed out, the Batherson situation avoided a potential outcome such as was the case with Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone.

“I know our fans have had a tough history when you think of Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone (also being traded), and hopefully the Batherson signing sends a clear message.”

That’s indeed the situation. The Senators look committed to winning, regardless of the competition in the Atlantic Division. The Senators' ownership has done its part. Now, it’s up to the team to deliver. The main objective has been to create an environment conducive to winning. That seems to be in place. So, the work ahead will be to lock down a playoff spot and compete for the ultimate prize next spring.

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