Senators GM Opens Up on Brady Tkachuk’s Future

With the Ottawa Senators' quick elimination from the playoffs at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes, the expected wringing of hands has begun. The prime target of everyone's ire thus far has been captain Brady Tkachuk, who was held pointless in their four-game sweep.

He was even referred to as looking "checked out" by insider Frank Seravalli. David Pagnotta said, "I think there's a good chance the Sens explore trading Brady Tkachuk this summer." And the trade rumors have already begun.

But according to insider Bruce Garrioch in the Ottawa Citizen, GM Steve Staios said plainly that he has no intention whatsoever of sitting down with Tkachuk to discuss his future in Ottawa. And he shoots down the speculation.

It’s nonsense is what it is. I don’t read it. I don’t bother with it... This comes up very often. There’s nothing that we have talked about or thought about where that conversation should happen.

Tkachuk has two years left on his contract at an $8.2M AAV and owns a full no-move clause.

Senators call Brady Tkachuk trade rumors 'nonsense'

Head coach Travis Green says all the trade speculation is just "white noise."

As for Staios, he went on to back up his captain, with an understanding for his troubles this season.

“He dealt with a lot. We have to really put this into perspective here. I mean, he came out of the gate, and he dealt with an injury to start the season. He’s off to the Olympics. Wins a gold medal. That’s a lot in a condensed schedule,” said Staios.

“There’s a lot on him, and he continued to play. The one thing is that Brady’s game continues to grow and mature, both on and off the ice, and I’ve watched it from day one, from when I got here.”

One of the other factors that the GM didn't mention, that got the rumors going this season in the first place, was that Tkachuk was met with some derisive comments and attitude when he arrived back in Canada's capital in February after playing a big part in Team USA's Gold Medal victory over Canada at the Olympics, followed by his visit to the White House with his American teammates. Some feel that might have left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Brady Tkachuk absent for Senators exit interviews

The Senators cleaned out their lockers on Monday and held exit interviews, but the captain wasn't around, as he was at home following the birth of his second child.

But his teammates stuck up for him, like centre Tim Stutzle:

“First of all, it’s extremely tough, the stuff he does all the time. And he became a captain young, and that’s hard for anyone becoming a captain in the Canadian market. I feel like he puts a lot of pressure on himself, as we all do.

“I can relate to him in a lot of ways, that way. And he wants to win too. He cares. It’s hard, but he’s taking tremendous steps as a leader, and he’s just gonna get better.”

The only question is, will those next steps be in Ottawa?