Florida Panthers' Brady Tkachuk Booed By Ottawa Senators Fans In First Game Against Former Team

Brady Tkachuk #8 of the Florida Panthers speaks during a press conference© AFP

Brady Tkachuk's first game back in Ottawa as a Florida Panther turned into an eventful night. Senators fans booed their former captain throughout Wednesday's matchup, drowned out his welcome-back video with chants and threw his old No. 7 jerseys onto the ice. Tkachuk had requested a trade from Ottawa in the offseason, despite having two years remaining on his contract. He scored Florida's opening goal, but the Panthers eventually lost 5-1 as the Senators. Tkachuk returned to Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday for the first time since Ottawa traded him to Florida in the offseason. He had spent eight seasons with the Senators, including several as captain, but his decision not to re-sign with the club and reported trade request left some fans unhappy.

Ottawa's Reaction to Brady Tkachuk Goes Beyond Boos and Chants 

Tkachuk acknowledged the crowd by raising his stick during the video, smiling as the noise continued. Fans booed Tkachuk during warmups, continued when he was introduced in Florida's starting lineup and made themselves heard during the pregame tribute video.

Chants continued through the pregame ceremonies and into the first period, including “Brady sucks,” “F— you, Brady” and “We don't need you.” Fans also shouted “Little brother,” “You can't read,” “You need crayon,” “Matthew's better!,” and “You betrayed us."

Some fans also altered their old Tkachuk jerseys to show their displeasure. Season-ticket holder Neil Kennelly and his son Nolan wore jerseys with an X over the captain's “C.” Nolan covered the nameplate with “Wingmen is trash,” while his father's jersey carried the message, “What has 7 letters and sucks — Wingmen.”

Senators defenseman Artem Zub knocked Tkachuk down on his first shift, drawing a loud response from the crowd. Later, during a third-period stoppage, dozens of Tkachuk jerseys were thrown over the glass and onto the ice. 

Tkachuk Addresses His Trade Decision and Lasting Connection With Ottawa 

Tkachuk spoke about his connection with Ottawa and its fans, saying their reaction would not change how he felt about the city.

“I know how I feel about this city, about this fan base, and I'm thankful and appreciative. And no matter what the reaction's going to be, it's not going to change how I feel about this city and this fan base.” He added, “It's pretty easy now — it's over and done with. It's a thing of the past. Not the outcome we wanted. Disappointed about [that]. Lots to learn, and we'll move on and be ready to go along.”

Tkachuk also addressed the speculation surrounding his trade request. “I know for myself it was 100 per cent my decision. I can make decisions for myself and my family,” he said.

Tkachuk had dinner with several former teammates on Tuesday, although Tim Stützle did not attend. He was pleased to reconnect with staff and others he had grown close to during his eight seasons with the Senators.