When Will Brady Tkachuk’s ‘Frustrating Distraction’ Comments be Taken Out of Context?

Brady Tkachuk spoke with the Ottawa media this week, and it was clear he was annoyed. Sitting down to reiterate what he feels he’s made clear over and over, Tkachuk says the continued narrative that he might want out and to no longer be an Ottawa Senators player has become a distraction. He admitted it’s frustrating.

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“I have been fully committed to this team, to this city, and it’s becoming a distraction, frustrating to deal with.”

In a way, Brady is right. When he notes that he’s never personally said anything about wanting out of Ottawa, analysts or fans who put words in his mouth should probably stop. He’s not said he wants a fresh start. He’s also not requested a trade.

At the same time, to say he’s fully committed when he’s criticized for his up-and-down effort level, and his being busy promoting a podcast with his brother creates a potential hiccup in his argument. For example, on his podcast, he had his father, Keith, as a guest, who seemingly trashed some of Brady’s teammates’ efforts. Brady seemed to laugh it off, including comments many found to be a direct shot at Brady’s teammate Linus Ullmark.

Sometimes, it’s hard for some to believe that Brady is completely bought in.

“I feel like I’ve answered this hundreds of times, none of that I’ve never shown. I’ve never said, none of those things ever came out of my mouth. Quite honestly, it’s just quite frustrating.”

Will Questions About His Frustration Lead to More Trade Talk?

The ironic and potentially sad part about Brady’s comments is that they’ll likely be twisted and reworked into another trade narrative. Those who remain committed to trying to sell the idea he wants out will suggest that, because he’s now frustrated and distracted, he’ll have little choice but to ultimately discuss a fresh start.

Some will argue he’s shifting the focus away from being self-motivated for a change, and take the opportunity to push the idea that fans and the media created this storm.

How long before it becomes one of those “be careful what you wish for” situations? Is he hinting that he wasn’t thinking about leaving, but maybe now he is? That’s probably not what he’s teasing, but that’s inevitably how it could be framed.

What we now know is that, no matter how many times he says he’s not leaving, people aren’t trusting him.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Maple Leafs & Which for Cassidy?