Brady Tkachuk’s petty move at practice makes hostile homecoming even worse

The Ottawa Senators held their morning skate ahead of Wednesday night's game at Canadian Tire Centre, and the visiting bench became a focal point for a reason different from usual. Brady Tkachuk, the former Ottawa captain making his first trip back since being traded in June, reportedly did not appear on the visitors' bench to reconnect with the players he once led.

According to TSN reporter Claire Hanna, the pregame scene was full of reunions. Lars Eller, another former Senator now on the visiting squad, was embraced by a parade of familiar faces. Tim Stutzle was the first to hug Eller, followed by Fabian Zetterlund, Linus Ullmark, Jake Sanderson, and Drake Batherson, among others.

But Tkachuk, the man whose return has dominated the conversation all week, was conspicuously absent from those interactions.

Whether deliberate or coincidental, his decision to keep his distance only adds to the tension surrounding tonight's game. After eight seasons in Ottawa and years wearing the captain's 'C', Tkachuk informed the organization he would not sign a contract extension before being dealt last summer. The move left a significant portion of the fanbase feeling betrayed.

While Hanna spoke with Senators’ Jake Sanderson, who admitted that Tkachuk paid for dinner last night, it was not mentioned who was present at dinner or whether other former teammates were invited. Tim Stützle however informed Hanna that he didn’t have dinner with Tkachuk and added he hasn’t seen his former teammate since his return to Ottawa.

Later on Wednesday morning, when he faced media, Tkachuk explained, per Hanna, that he arrived at the rink in Ottawa at 8:30am to get some meaningful visits in with former teammates and Senators staff:

“To not rush anytime, make sure, you know, really catch up with people.”

The level of hostility Tkachuk could face from the crowd is unusual even by the standards of bitter return games. Few homecomings in recent memory have generated this much resentment from a fanbase. Tkachuk has reportedly prepared for fans to throw his jerseys onto the ice during the game. The star forward has said he'll donate any tossed jerseys to the Boys and Girls Club, turning a potential protest into a charitable act. It is a savvy response on paper, though it may do little to calm the atmosphere inside Canadian Tire Centre.

His choice to stay away from former teammates at morning skate could be read in multiple ways. Perhaps he wanted to avoid an emotional scene before a game that already carries enormous weight. Perhaps the separation is still too raw.

The real test comes tonight when Tkachuk steps onto the ice in front of the fans who once cheered his name. Whether the reception tilts toward anger, respect, or something in between, it promises to be one of the most closely watched moments of the early NHL season.