Senators fans remain stunned as Brady Tkachuk exit sparks mixed emotions ahead of NHL Draft

Ottawa has three first round picks to play with ahead of the draft, which begins Friday at 7 p.m.

Ottawa Senators fans continue to react to the recent departure of their now former captain Brady Tkachuk after eight seasons in the nation's capital.

On Fathers Day this past Sunday, Tkachuk was traded from the Senators to the Florida Panthers in exchange for the 9th and 25th overall picks in the upcoming 2026 NHL draft, plus a 2029 first round pick and a second round pick in 2030. Tkachuk joins his brother Matthew in pursuit of a third Stanley Cup in four seasons for the Panthers.

Yesterday, the Senators flipped the 9th overall pick from the Tkachuk deal to the San Jose Sharks for forward William Eklund, prospect Kasper Halttunen and the rights to Brandon Svoboda.

Senators beat-writer for Sportsnet and host of the Sens Spotlight Podcast, Alex Adams says the reactions from Ottawa fans to Brady and Team USA winning men's hockey gold at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics back in February, definitely played a big role in his decision to request a trade.

Adams says the trade request came shortly after the Senators were eliminated in a four-game sweep by the eventual Stanley Cup champion, Carolina Hurricanes in round one of the Stanley Cup playoffs back in April.

Adams gives his read on where Sens fans are at ahead of the draft and free agency.

Ottawa now has two first round picks ahead of the draft, which begins Friday at 7 p.m.

Story by: Harper Cotie