Senators owner throws shade on Brady Tkachuk's father Keith for trade to Florida

Brady Tkachuk's Ottawa exit keeps getting louder, with Senators owner Michel Andlauer now giving head coach Travis Green another storyline to manage.

Tkachuk requested a trade after eight seasons with the Senators, ending his run as captain and eventually landing with the Florida Panthers alongside his brother Matthew.

Andlauer has now offered his explanation for why Tkachuk's position changed, pointing directly toward the influence of Matthew and their father, Keith Tkachuk.

The Senators owner also made clear that his disappointment with the outcome didn't erase what Brady meant to the organization or the city.

"In his eight years with the Ottawa Senators, and during his time as captain, he was an exemplary captain for us and leader and role model," Andlauer told The Athletic.

"He cared about the community. He and his wife, Emma, did more than any other player. The Boys and Girls Club - he cared deeply. And the fans knew it. Our fans are loyal and they're intelligent. And they loved Brady."

Andlauer points directly at the Tkachuk family

The sharper part came when Andlauer addressed what he believes pushed Tkachuk toward Florida. His explanation left little room for interpretation.

"Blood is thicker than water, and let's just say that his father (ex-NHLer and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Keith Tkachuk) and his brother got in his kitchen," Andlauer said.

"Ultimately, the decision was made to go and play with his brother. It's a decision that was out of our control to a certain degree."

Andlauer then drew a clear line around what Ottawa expects from its players: "But you have to want to play for Ottawa."

The owner also defended Senators fans through the entire situation. "And right to the end, our fans were behind Brady - even after Team USA won gold. I have no doubt in my mind."

Brady has denied the suggestion that his family pushed him toward requesting the move, leaving two very different versions of how his Ottawa departure developed.

Now the attention shifts toward October 21, when Florida visits Ottawa. Tkachuk's return was already going to carry emotion. Andlauer's comments just added another layer.

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