Andlauer on Tkachuk trade: 'Blood is thicker than water'

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer says Brady Tkachuk’s family played a major role in the captain’s decision to join the Florida Panthers and his brother, Matthew.

Andlauer made the comments in an interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, reported by Sportsnet. “Blood is thicker than water,” he said, adding that Tkachuk’s father, Keith, and brother “got in his kitchen.” Andlauer said the move was largely outside Ottawa’s control, while adding that players have to want to play for the Senators.

Ottawa sent Tkachuk to Florida on June 21 for four draft picks, including three first-round selections. Tkachuk used his contractual trade protection to approve the deal. He had two seasons remaining on the seven-year, $57.56-million contract he signed in October 2021. After the move, Tkachuk said on the Wingmen podcast that his decision was not about his brother, according to Sportsnet.

Trade speculation had grown after Carolina swept Ottawa from the first round of the playoffs in late April. Tkachuk, the fourth overall pick in 2018, played 572 regular-season games over eight seasons with the Senators and served as captain for the last five. He recorded 213 goals and 463 points; his 821 penalty minutes also led Ottawa over that span.

Andlauer praised Tkachuk’s leadership and community work. He also pointed to Ottawa’s recent commitment to its returning players as evidence that the club intends to compete.

Ottawa later announced an eight-year, $86-million extension for Drake Batherson, the largest contract in franchise history. Claude Giroux also re-signed with the Senators on a one-year deal for 2026-27. Andlauer said the Batherson commitment was meant to show fans and players that Ottawa wants to win.