Cheating scandal, locker room drama fuel huge Brady Tkachuk trade rumours

The Ottawa Senators are facing a whirlwind of speculation this week following goaltender Linus Ullmark’s personal leave of absence, which began Dec. 28. The team hasn’t revealed the reasons for his departure, simply citing “personal reasons,” but rumors are swirling on social media, and they’re intense.

There are unsubstantiated rumors circling social media that Ullmark was unfaithful to wife Moa Wikman and that the situation is causing a rift between him and his teammates. Unverified reports suggest that Ullmark has allegedly shared private details about other Senators players’ infidelities. And that captain Brady Tkachuk is in serious hot water at home.

Later on Thursday night, the Senators adressed the rumors directly, sharing a statement denying this whole story as fabricated and false, condemning “trolls and sick people” spreading rumours and stating Ullmark is away for personal reasons with their full support.

I’m not sure this was the best move, personally, seeing it It draws attention to something that should be ignored. Now the legit media has to address it...

Some posts still however claim the team wants Ullmark out, while others suggest the situation could push captain Brady Tkachuk to demand a trade, possibly to reunite with brother Matthew Tkachuk in Florida. This will be the last straw for Tkachuk, especially if soon the questions on his leadership are going to start trickling out…

While nothing is confirmed, fans are already speculating on the fallout:

“Maybe now would be a good time to put a package together for Brady Tkachuk.”

“If these Sens rumors are true, Brady Tkachuk will be a Florida Panther by the deadline.”

“Brady needs his family in a time like this — Florida is where he belongs.”

The Sens surely did not come out with a statement performance against the Avalanche in Colorado, humilated by a blowout 8-2 loss, in which Tkachuk scored a goal and, shockingly Tim Stutzle dropped the gloves and fought.

As the Senators try to navigate the uncertainty, the hockey world is watching closely (with some popcorn, believe me!). Will this be the catalyst for a major roster shakeup, or will Ottawa manage to contain the storm?

Later on Friday, insider Elliotte Friedman commented on the situation in his weekly 32 Thoughts podcast, saying that the Senators' response was both understandable and risky. Now the statement is hard to ignore and some fans and pundits strongly believe the Senators should have stayed silent. Now, they have allowed it to become a talking point.

“This is not over,” Friedman warned more than once when talking about the ordeal.

Still, Friedman believes the organization felt it had no choice and are saying loud and clear that they’re backing their players.

Of course, once the allegations came out, trade rumours immediately emerged, and I mean, I feel like no one could blame the players for wanting out when their private lives are getting mixed up in this. It’s about losing and winning.

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