Brady Tkachuk drama reaches breaking point in Ottawa

The past few days have been anything but quiet for the Ottawa Senators.

After months of rumours suggesting captain Brady Tkachuk could eventually leave the organization to play in the United States, the latest controversy surrounding his podcast may have pushed things to another level.

Once again, tensions appear to be rising behind the scenes and this time, it all stems from a recent episode of the “Wingmen” podcast hosted by Brady and his brother Matthew Tkachuk, featuring their father, former NHLer Keith Tkachuk.

Never one to hold back, Keith openly criticized players who refuse to play through minor injuries or fatigue. It didn’t take long for fans and media to connect the dots, with many believing his comments were directed not only at some of Matthew’s teammates in Florida, but especially at Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark, who had recently sat out a crucial game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, citing the need for rest.

And as you know: Brady Tkachuk didn’t step in to defend his teammate and appeared to agree with the sentiment, later defending his father in a post-game scrum.

That moment has only intensified speculation about his long-term future in Ottawa. Rumours have circulated for some time that the Senators captain could be looking for an opportunity to play elsewhere.

Reporter Irfaan Gaffar added fuel to the fire, suggesting there could be “serious, serious conversations” this summer between Tkachuk, his representatives, and Senators management regarding his future.

“I would be very surprised if there wasn’t some serious, serious conversations between Brady Tkachuk…the whole Senators management…Brady and his team…about his future this summer; I’ll just leave it at that.”

As if that wasn’t enough, former NHL player Jordan Schmaltz made headlines earlier this year by claiming both Brady Tkachuk and Auston Matthews could be out of Canada as early as this summer.

“I think Brady Tkachuk and Auston Matthews will both be out of Canada by this summer at latest.. “

At 26 years old, Brady Tkachuk remains a cornerstone player, but with speculation intensifying and pressure mounting, the situation in Ottawa is quickly becoming one to watch in a summer that was supposedly going to be quiet.