Could Panthers Use a Top-10 Pick to Reunite the Tkachuk Brothers?

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman recently said to buckle up for what could be a wild NHL offseason, and much of that stems from the Quinn Hughes situation—traded with almost two full years left on his contract—which has changed how star players and management approach business.

It’s no longer about waiting until July 1 a year before free agency to discuss extensions. Now, teams are trying to get a sense of where a player stands well in advance—and if there’s any doubt about a long-term future, they have to consider moving them early for a massive return, as Vancouver did.

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Several stars are approaching that crossroads this summer, and outside of Auston Matthews, the one that’s going to generate the most buzz is Brady Tkachuk. Trade rumors have long surrounded the Senators’ captain potentially leaving Ottawa to play in the United States, and the latest team to emerge as a possible landing spot is a nightmare scenario for the rest of the league—teaming up with his brother, Matthew, in Florida.

David Bean of What Chaos! said:

“We’ve talked about the Panthers and their draft pick situation. It’s protected, but it’s going to fall in the top 10, so they’re probably going to keep it. They could draft a star, get a young player—or they could do something else. They could trade that pick for Brady Tkachuk.

We’ve reached a place where a Brady Tkachuk-to-the-Panthers move could happen, could be possible. Ottawa should want more, but I’ll note Brady Tkachuk has a no-move clause and two years left on his deal after this, so he can really control where he goes. And if the Senators think he’s not going to stay—raise your hand if you think Brady Tkachuk is going to stay. Now that we all have both of our hands free, we can continue the conversation.

I think the Senators might feel this offseason would be the time to do it, and a team he’d want to go to has a premium asset to offer,”

The 26-year-old Tkachuk is in year five of the seven-year, $57,564,958 contract extension he signed with the Senators back in 2021. He’s produced 47 points (19 goals, 28 assists) in just 49 games played this season.

Brady Tkachuk to Florida?

If there’s any team Tkachuk would have at the top of his wishlist, it’s the Panthers. He and Matthew are as close as they come and have clearly enjoyed playing together for Team USA at events like the Four Nations Face-Off and the Olympics.

Cap space shouldn’t be an issue for Florida, who is projected to have more than $15 million available this offseason. Putting together a strong enough return package, however, will be the biggest challenge for a team that lacks high-end assets. That said, a potential top-10 pick makes things far more interesting—and, as Bean noted, the ball is in Tkachuk’s court.

Whether the Senators make the playoffs or fall short in their late-season push will also play a role in how Tkachuk views the situation, as well as the team’s direction moving forward. It all sets up for a fascinating final month—and a potentially league-altering offseason in Ottawa and around the NHL.

Next: Clarity Provided on What Leon Draisaitl Said About His Injury