When the Florida Panthers traded Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken for two draft picks early Sunday afternoon, it felt like the precursor to a much bigger move from GM Bill Zito. Little did we know just how big — and how soon — it would come.
Just a few hours later, news broke of an absolute blockbuster deal sending Brady Tkachuk from Ottawa to play alongside brother Matthew in Florida. In return, the Senators received three first-round picks and a second-round pick.
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman shared details surrounding Tkachuk’s departure, which included three other teams — Carolina, Minnesota, and Vegas — having been in the mix to acquire his services.
“Tkachuk missed the Senators’ exit meetings for an excellent reason: the birth of his second child, hours after the team was eliminated from the playoffs. When he did meet with general manager Steve Staios, there were conversations about Tkachuk’s long-term future; whether or not he saw himself extending in the Canadian capital following the conclusion of his current contract in July 2028.
It’s clear Tkachuk’s answer sent Ottawa into uncertainty. After further conversations, a list from Tkachuk’s camp was submitted before the draft combine to the Senators including four teams: Carolina, Florida, Minnesota and Vegas. But, according to several sources, it became clear the preference was alongside Matthew in South Florida. Since Brady had a full no-move clause, the Senators ultimately had two choices: hold or make the best deal they could. They chose the latter — really their only option. The debate around Tkachuk’s future was a never-ending annoyance in the market and in the dressing room,”
The 26-year-old Tkachuk has two years remaining on the seven-year, $57,564,958 contract extension he signed with the Senators in 2021. One would imagine he’ll be extending his stay in South Florida well beyond that current deal.
It’s a trade that reminds everyone the Panthers are still here and may be just as dangerous as ever heading into 2026-27.
On the flip side, where does Ottawa go from here? According to GM Steve Staios and various reports around the league, the Senators want to use some of those draft picks to acquire an impact player, with Jason Robertson already emerging as a target.
This could just be the beginning of what shapes up to be a wild offseason around the NHL.
Next: Radko Gudas Leaves Door Open to Signing With Maple Leafs
