Trade rumors have been swirling around Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, but his father, former NHL star Keith Tkachuk, has firmly shut them down, sparking a wave of relief and excitement among Senators fans. In a recent interview, Keith addressed the speculation head-on, dismissing any notion that Brady is looking to leave Ottawa.

The trade buzz gained momentum due to the parallels drawn between Brady's situation and that of his brother, Matthew Tkachuk, who requested and was granted a trade from the Calgary Flames to the Florida Panthers in July 2022. This led many to assume Brady might follow a similar path, especially with other teams reportedly interested in acquiring the Senators' captain. Some reports even suggested the New York Rangers were heavily interested, causing controversy within the Senators organization.

However, Keith Tkachuk was quick to dispel these comparisons. "I wouldn't believe everything you hear," he stated emphatically. "I think after what happened with Matthew in Calgary, everyone just assumes that's going to happen with Brady [in Ottawa]". He stressed that Brady's situation is different, highlighting his son's deep connection to the Ottawa community.

"Brady loves it there," Keith asserted. "He has really cemented himself in the community,". He further emphasized the positive trajectory of the Senators as a team. "They're a team on the rise, [they've] got a great bunch of young players. They're core players". Keith also noted the strong bond between Brady and the city's fanbase, "The fans and the city itself treat him so well. He wants to be a big part of that moving forward. So I don't think he's going anywhere".

Brady himself has also addressed the rumors directly, stating back in May, "Obviously, it's a lie," when asked about wanting out of Ottawa. This, coupled with his father's strong statement, reinforces his commitment to the Senators.

The Ottawa Senators have shown significant improvement in recent years, making the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2017. Although they were eliminated in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team's progress is evident. Brady Tkachuk has been central to this improvement, becoming a beloved figure among the Senators faithful. Since taking over as captain, he has become one of the most popular players, known for his passion and leadership.

With 191 goals and 404 points in 512 games, Tkachuk is not only a leader but also one of the NHL's top power forwards. He is entering his sixth full season as captain, solidifying his role as the heart of the franchise. His dedication to the team and city is clear, and his father's remarks further solidify this sentiment.

Keith Tkachuk's candid comments should quell the trade rumors and reassure Senators fans that their captain is committed to building a successful future in Ottawa. As the Senators continue to develop their young core and aim for a deeper playoff run, having Tkachuk at the helm is crucial.