Former Senators captain Brady Tkachuk joins Florida Panthers
Tkachuk thanked Ottawa fans and explained why he asked for a trade to pursue a Stanley Cup with a stronger contender.
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Brady Tkachuk bid farewell to Ottawa on Tuesday after being traded to the Florida Panthers on Sunday for three first-round picks and a second-round selection in 2027.
"I just want to say thank you to everyone in the city," Tkachuk said. "Everybody welcomed me from Day 1, treated me like I was from there. Treated me like family. I'll just never forget that."
Tkachuk confirmed he requested the trade because "it was time." Speaking on The Wingmen Podcast with his brother Matthew — who already plays for the Panthers — Tkachuk explained that he took his brother out of the equation when making the decision.
"I've always said this, if we weren't even brothers, Florida has always been the toughest game," Tkachuk told Matthew. "These last bunch of years playing against just the way you guys play, and then the winning background shows it's all about winning."
He made clear he chose the Panthers because he wants to win a Stanley Cup and feels the organization is focused on that goal every year. "The sole focus here is about excellence and they've shown over the last few years that the goal is the Stanley Cup," Tkachuk said.
Tkachuk, who is staying with Matthew's family while house hunting in Fort Lauderdale, was introduced at a press conference in South Florida on Tuesday morning before appearing on the Pat McAfee Show.
"I have so many great memories in Ottawa. It's such a special place to me," Brady said. "I'm excited for this new chapter. It's been a whirlwind."