Superstar traded in the NHL – owner made a direct accusation

The long-time captain of the Ottawa Senators, Brady Tkachuk, moving to the Florida Panthers was one of the most talked-about player trades of the NHL summer.

Now, the Senators’ owner Michael Andlauer has also weighed in, opening up exceptionally candidly about the behind-the-scenes happenings in an interview with The Athletic.

According to Andlauer, the reasons behind Tkachuk’s desire to leave were primarily his brother Matthew Tkachuk and his player-legend father Keith Tkachuk.

– Blood is thicker than water, and let’s just say that his father and brother influenced the matter, the owner sees.

Tkachuk’s ultimate goal was clear according to Andlauer: he wanted to be on the same team as his brother.

– It was a decision that was not entirely in our hands. A player has to want to play in Ottawa.

Fans not the reason for desire to leave

Previously, the reason for Tkachuk’s desire to leave was also attributed to the Ottawa fans’ attitude towards the star forward.

Tkachuk was part of the U.S. team that defeated Canada in the Olympic final, after which the reception he received in the Canadian franchise became a topic of discussion.

However, Andlauer does not believe this affected Tkachuk’s decision.

– Our fans supported Brady all the way. Even after the U.S. team won gold, Andlauer notes.

The major trade caused significant disruption for the team

Tkachuk’s move was not a quick or simple operation for the Senators. According to Andlauer, Senators GM Steve Staios spent up to six weeks preparing for the trade.

Meanwhile, other important contract matters for the team had to wait.

– During that whole time, Steve could have focused on Drake Batherson, but we had to get this matter off the agenda first, Andlauer explains the summer events.

Star forward Batherson’s contract negotiations ultimately stretched all the way to mid-September.

The forward, who scored 33 goals and 71 points last season, eventually signed an eight-year extension with the Senators. The annual salary of Batherson’s massive contract, which will take effect next fall, is $10.75 million.

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