Panthers’ Brady Tkachuk gets called ‘overrated snake’ ahead of Ottawa return

Brady Tkachuk‘s first NHL game back in Ottawa already carries extra emotion months before puck drop. The Florida Panthers forward will return to Canadian Tire Centre on October 21 after his blockbuster offseason trade from the Ottawa Senators.

Sports host Sid Seixeiro added fuel to the storyline during The Sid Seixeiro Show. He urged Senators fans to give Tkachuk a hostile welcome instead of celebrating his return.

“When is Brady Tkachuk going back to Ottawa this year?” Seixeiro asked before learning the date. He then responded, “October 21st. Brady Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa. That overrated snake.”

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Seixeiro also warned Ottawa fans against repeating Toronto’s tribute to Mitch Marner after his departure. “Sens fans, don’t Marner this. You’ll regret it. Believe me. You’ll regret it.”

He continued, “Have some pride in your market. No video, nothing. Don’t do what the Leafs did with Marner. That was a joke. Be better.”

The broadcaster also mocked the idea of fans welcoming Tkachuk with affection. “Don’t bring a sign that says, ‘I love you, Brady,’ in the pregame warm-up against the glass. Like some eight-year-old.”

Brady Tkachuk’s trade out of Ottawa

The reaction reflects how divisive Tkachuk’s exit remains in Ottawa. The Senators traded their captain to Florida on June 21 after learning he would not sign a new contract beyond 2028.

General manager Steve Staios confirmed the organization received a trade request during exit meetings. “What changed was a trade request,” he said. “I was always fully supportive and wanting to make it work long term. I think it became clear as the season went on that something was amiss, and that had changed, but up until that point I would have loved to have seen it through with Brady.”

Tkachuk described the move as difficult but necessary. “For me, I think it was just time for the next chapter and something that wasn’t an easy decision,” he said.

The hostile reaction is understandable, but it should not erase Tkachuk’s years as Ottawa’s captain. Last season, he produced 59 points in 60 regular-season games despite a wrist injury.

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Tkachuk’s return will likely feature loud boos throughout the night. That response would reflect competitive passion rather than personal resentment, adding another memorable chapter to one of the NHL’s biggest offseason trades.