- Brady Tkachuk says leaving Ottawa was “100% my decision”
- He answered Michael Andlauer’s claim that his dad and brother steered the trade
- Read below for what else Tkachuk said before his return to Ottawa
Brady Tkachuk had a short answer for Michael Andlauer.
Back in Ottawa for the first time since the trade, the Panthers winger was asked Wednesday morning about the Senators owner’s comment from September that his father Keith and brother Matthew “got in his kitchen” before he asked out. Tkachuk didn’t let it stand.
“I saw the quote, and I mean he’s entitled to his opinion. But I know for myself, it was 100% my decision,” Tkachuk said. “I’m a big boy. I can make decisions for myself and my family. I don’t need to be influenced by other people to make decisions.”
Watch Tkachuk deliver the line:
Andlauer made the original remark in September, which we covered at the time. He said the decision was “out of our control to a certain degree” and that Tkachuk wanted to play with his brother.
Tkachuk was also asked why he decided against re-signing in Ottawa. He kept the details to himself.
“There’s professional reasons, personal reasons why I wasn’t going to re-sign here,” he said. “A lot of those things remain private between [general manager Steve Staios] and I.”
He talked about how he wants to be remembered after eight seasons and five as captain, and said he expects the tribute video to hit him hard. Catch his answer on his legacy:
Tkachuk got to the rink around 8:30 a.m., roughly 11 hours before puck drop, so he could catch up with friends and staff. He also had dinner with several former teammates Tuesday night and picked up the tab.
Tim Stutzle wasn’t at that dinner. The Senators center told reporters he hasn’t spoken with Tkachuk since he arrived in town and wants the focus on the game.
Tkachuk has four goals and 10 points in nine games with Florida. He also said Tuesday that any jerseys thrown on the ice in Ottawa will go to the local Boys and Girls Club.
Ottawa sent Tkachuk to Florida in June for the No. 9 and No. 25 picks in this year’s draft, a conditional 2029 first-rounder and a 2027 second. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET.
