Panthers' Brady Tkachuk to donate Senators jerseys thrown in protest

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  Greg WyshynskiOct 20, 2026, 01:04 PM ET

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  Greg Wyshynski is ESPN's senior NHL writer.

Brady Tkachuk expects an unruly reception as he returns to Ottawa for the first time on Wednesday, after the Senators traded him to the Florida Panthers in the offseason. But if any of his No. 7 Ottawa jerseys hit the ice in protest, Tkachuk has plans to use them for a good cause.

On his "Wingmen" podcast on Tuesday, Tkachuk said he spoke with the Panthers and "every jersey that gets thrown on the ice is going to get donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa."

While Tkachuk said he doesn't "recommend doing it," but does anticipate he might see some fans toss their jerseys on the ice in protest.

Tkachuk was traded in June after having told Senators management that he didn't intend to sign an extension when his contract is up in 2028. He used his no-movement clause to force a trade to the Panthers, joining his brother and podcast co-host Matthew Tkachuk in South Florida.

"Clearly, it was pointed at one team at the end," said Ottawa GM Steve Staios.

Tkachuk's departure was contentious among Ottawa fans, saying he was "fully committed" to the franchise back in April. His return to face the Senators on Wednesday will be the first chance for those fans to let their displeasure known.

"If you're going to do it and send a message, just know that it's going to a good cause. I've received your message," said Tkachuk.

Matthew Tkachuk said he would like to see "10,000 Tkachuk jerseys on the ice" on Wednesday night.

Brady Tkachuk said the Boys and Girls Club is a "special place" where he and his wife Emma forged many meaningful relationships during their time in Ottawa.

Tkachuk played 572 games over 8 seasons with the Senators, who drafted him 4th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft. He scored 213 goals with 250 assists, as well as 821 penalty minutes as a physical tone-setter for the team. He served as team captain for five seasons, succeeding Erik Karlsson.

"This is the game that's been circled. I'm going to assume I'm not the only one that's had it circled," he said. "The place is still special to me. Eight years. I've experienced so much. Became a father and a husband during my time there. They have such amazing people that makes that organization tick and I'm excited to see them."

Tkachuk said he expected to have dinner with some former Ottawa teammates on Tuesday night, organized by defenseman and Olympic gold medal teammate Jake Sanderson.