Brady Tkachuk’s First Game Back in Ottawa Might Come Earlier Than Expected

Brady Tkachuk knows the reception in Ottawa won’t be quiet. And he might not have to wait long to hear it.

The former Senators captain was traded to the Florida Panthers last month in a deal that sent shockwaves through the NHL. He joined his brother Matthew in Florida, while Ottawa loaded up on draft picks — the 9th and 25th overall selections in 2026, a conditional 2029 first-rounder, and a 2027 second-round pick. It was a full reset for a franchise that just lost its cornerstone.

Now, according to Tkachuk, rumors are floating around that his return to the Canadian capital could happen early in the upcoming season.

“I would think they would, not sure if it’s gonna happen,” Tkachuk said, via KeithKavJr. on X. “I’ve heard some rumblings that it’s early on in the season, so that would be fun to get back.”

He’s not sure if the Senators will hit him with a video tribute. But he’s bracing for whatever comes.

The trade stung for Ottawa fans, especially because Tkachuk had publicly said he had no plans to leave. Then he wound up with a division rival. Now, those same fans will get their first real chance to let him know how they feel. Neutral observers are already circling the date.

How His Final Season in Ottawa Ended

Tkachuk put together a solid year before the trade — 22 goals and 37 assists in 60 games. But his time with the Senators ended in frustration, courtesy of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Carolina swept Ottawa in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal, and Tkachuk didn’t sugarcoat what went wrong.

“I think what they did so well was that they didn’t give you any ice,” he said. “They suffocated you…they gave you no room to do it. It just sucked, getting swept. I know for myself, it wasn’t good enough.”

That lack of space — physically and mentally — defined the series. And it might have been the final push Ottawa needed to rethink everything.

The Panthers are hoping Tkachuk can bring that same edge to South Florida. The Senators are hoping the draft haul turns into something real. And somewhere on the schedule, there’s a date where both sides collide again.