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Brady Tkachuk Has Casual Reaction to Unusual Trade Buzz
Brady Tkachuk spoke with media on Tuesday and was asked about trade rumors to the New York Rangers. He denied any truth to it.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has shot down trade rumors linking him to the New York Rangers, calling the speculation unfounded and untrue. The rumors, originally reported by the New York Post, suggested Tkachuk was a primary target for the Rangers, but the Senators adamantly denied discussing any such trade. Tkachuk said he didn’t know about the report but talked to GM Steve Staios, who clarified that the team was not discussing any trades that would include their captain.
The Senators have complained that this isn’t the kind of thing Tkachuk should have to deal with. They aren’t trading him and teams throwing out the idea that the Senators might consider it or suggest Tkachuk is open to the idea is unnecessary drama.
But, Tkachuk doesn’t care.
“It doesn’t really bother me because it’s coming from a place where obviously it’s not true,” Tkachuk told reporters. The star forward added that he told Staois after being informed about the situation that he is committed to the team. “I want to be here and believe in this group,” he said.
The Senators Are Still Upset About the Tkachuk Rumors
Senators owner Michael Andlauer is still upset, despite the fact Tkachuk doesn’t seem to be letting it affect him. Andlauer accused the Rangers of “soft tampering” during comments at the NHL Board of Governors meeting in Florida. “This is about protecting our fans, our players, and their families,” Andlauer said. He pointed to Tkachuk’s recent milestone of becoming a new father as a reason for avoiding such distractions.
The Rangers quickly denied the allegations, releasing a statement that said, “This is an irresponsible accusation, and we defer to the commissioner’s office.”
What inevitably happens with Tkachuk seems clear, but the longer-term future still includes questions. On the 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman speculated that teams still believe that, eventually, Tkachuk could change his mind. He explained, “If the team doesn’t start making the playoffs, a Tkachuk is not going to want to be there,” Friedman said. The same thing happened with Matthew, and how long before Brady grows impatient?
Next: Rangers Declined Taking Ducks D-Man as Part of Trouba Trade
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