Brady Tkachuk has barely had a moment to catch his breath since being traded to the Florida Panthers. After ending his eight-year run in Ottawa, the former Senators captain says the past week has been a whirlwind as he adjusts to life with his new team and prepares to play alongside his brother, Matthew, for the first time in the NHL.
Brady Tkachuk Reveals What the Last Few Days Have Been Like With Panthers
Tkachuk has been open about why he wanted a change of scenery. Watching Matthew and the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025 made him realize he wanted the chance to compete for a championship himself, not as a spectator, but as a player on the ice.
Now officially a member of the Panthers, Brady reflected on just how hectic the past few days have been.
When Matthew asked whether the trade had finally sunk in, Brady admitted it still hadn’t. “No, honestly, it’s still just such a whirlwind,” Brady said. “Monday after, you know, Big Walt’s induction into the hall. Tuesday, emergency pod. Had to. Worked out, did the press conference, and then did the Panther Talk podcast. And then, you know, we did Pat McAfee, which was awesome.”
Brady said the attention around South Florida has been overwhelming, even during something as simple as grabbing lunch.
“Let’s go pick up lunch in Los Olas. Down the street, we’re just bumper to bumper waiting for the light. I felt like we’re just like, hey, how you doing? Hey, how you doing? Thank you. Thank you. It was insane. It was nonstop people coming up with their cars, parking, taking selfies. It was insane.”
Matthew wasn’t surprised by the reception, saying, “Florida loves you already. You’re the new golden child there.”
The trade also unfolded during one of the busiest weeks the Tkachuk family has ever experienced.
The deal came together while the entire family was gathered for the baptism of Matthew’s daughter. At the same time, their father, Keith Tkachuk, was preparing for another unforgettable moment after learning he had been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Add in Brady’s introductory press conference, media appearances, and the excitement surrounding his arrival in Florida, and it became a whirlwind few days for everyone involved.
Although his departure from Ottawa quickly became a source of frustration for many Senators fans, Tkachuk has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the eight seasons he spent with the organization, including five as team captain.
Now with a Stanley Cup contender and the opportunity to play alongside his brother for the first time in the NHL, Brady begins what could be the most exciting chapter of his career.
