The Minnesota Wild came closer than many realized to landing Brady Tkachuk. The former Ottawa Senators captain who ultimately joined the Florida Panthers in one of the biggest trades so far of the offseason, seemingly had been on Minnesota’s radar for sometime.
According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, the Wild were among the four teams on Tkachuk’s approved list of destinations after Tkachuk informed the organization that he was willing to waive his no-move clause.
“Minnesota made a big offer for Tkachuk after he included the Wild on his list of four teams he’d waive his no-move clause to join,” Russo wrote. “Like the Hughes trade, it was the equivalent of four first-round picks.”
However, Russo noted that Ottawa had their hands tied once Brady Tkachuk made it clear that he wanted to play alongside his brother Matthew in South Florida.
“In the end, even though you can make the argument that the Wild’s offer was better because their package wasn’t all draft picks, the Senators had no choice but to accept the Panthers’ offer because Tkachuk, who had a no-move clause, had become intent on joining forces with his brother, Matthew, in Florida.”
With the deal now sealed, Tkachuk’s failed trade to Minnesota could end up being the biggest what-if of the ongoing NHL offseason.
Sid Seixeiro questions Brady Tkachuk’s impact after Panthers move
Not everyone across the hockey community is convinced by Brady Tkachuk’s move to Florida. NHL analyst Sid Seixeiro recently argued that Ottawa may have benefited more from moving on from its former captain.
“This might be the best thing to happen to your (Sens) organization in years,” Seixeiro said. “That kid was not about that life.”
Seixeiro further went on to question Tkachuk’s ability on ice and lack of discipline, suggesting the winger has been overrated throughout his career.
“He’s gonna go to Florida and if he wins the Cup, much like the Olympics, someone will carry him to it,” Seixeiro said. “He’s slow, he doesn’t have hands and his priorities are in the wrong spot. He just wants to go viral all the time and he’s not the player some people make him out to be.”
While opinions remain divided on the move, the Panthers have made their intentions clear by bringing in Brady Tkachuk. They want to bring Lord Stanley back to Florida.
Whether or not he lives up to the expectations that accompany such a blockbuster acquisition will ultimately be determined on the ice.
Edited by Shivayan Roy