Drake Batherson says Brady Tkachuk leaving the Senators won't change their friendship, and the two are planning dinner tonight.
“Guys in their careers, they're open to do whatever they want to do. It's not going to change the relationship I have with him,” Batherson said, via Alex Adams.
“I think I'm going to see him tonight for dinner, so it'll be good to catch up with him.”
Classy answer. Hockey careers move people around, and the good friendships survive the trip.
It's like your best friend taking a job at a rival company. You still grab dinner, you just stay away from talking shop.
Tkachuk has 10 points through nine games with Florida.
Six of those are goals, including 2 on the power play, and he already owns a game-winner.
Drake Batherson on Tkachuk's return.
“Guys in their careers, they're open to do whatever they want to do. It's not going to change the relationship I have with him.”
“I think I'm going to see him tonight for dinner, so it'll be good to catch up with him.”
-
Brady Tkachuk is returning to Ottawa, and Drake Batherson already has plans
The Panthers visit Ottawa on Wednesday night, the first of four meetings between the teams this season.
His first goals as a Panther came in a hat trick in Columbus.
He carries an $8,208,714 cap hit with Florida.
Batherson has 4 goals on a $4,975,000 cap hit.
Tim Stutzle leads Ottawa with 12 points.
Shane Pinto has 6 points but sits at -2.
Jake Sanderson has played only once so far this season.
The Senators are 6-3-0 after a 3-1 loss in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Linus Ullmark sits at .945 in the Ottawa crease, and the Senators are 3-1-0 at home.
Florida will be without Jacob Markstrom, who is out 10 to 14 days after taking a puck in practice, putting Akira Schmid in the spotlight.
Ottawa is also without William Eklund until at least Jan 5 with an ankle injury.
Matthew Tkachuk leads the Panthers with 14 points, and Florida has won three straight.
Steve Staios gets a front-row look at a familiar face in a different sweater.
How will Ottawa fans greet him when he steps on the ice for warmups?
Dinner tonight, business tomorrow. Batherson made it sound easy, but Wednesday night won't be.
Should Senators fans give Brady Tkachuk a standing ovation on Wednesday?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Connor Hellebuyck major trade proposal features three players and two picks
