Manalapan, Florida – Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer expressed frustration with a recent report from the New York Post that suggested the New York Rangers were targeting his team’s captain, Brady Tkachuk, in a potential trade. Andlauer referred to the report as “soft tampering” during an interview with The Athletic ahead of the NHL’s Board of Governors meetings.
The report, authored by Hockey Hall of Fame columnist Larry Brooks, stated that the Rangers were eyeing Tkachuk and other big-name players from around the league. While Andlauer acknowledged that the report may be accurate, he emphasized that no discussions had taken place between the Senators and any other team regarding Tkachuk.
Andlauer expressed his frustration with the impact of such rumors on Tkachuk and the team as a whole, noting that it creates unnecessary pressure for the young players and their families. He emphasized his commitment to Tkachuk as a member of the Senators and stressed that the team had never considered trading him.
The Senators view the rumors as disruptive and potentially damaging to Tkachuk’s morale. Andlauer suggested that the situation could be seen as a form of tampering, which goes against the integrity of the sport. The Rangers responded to Andlauer’s comments by calling the accusations irresponsible and deferring to the commissioner’s office for further clarification.
In light of the rumors, the Senators felt the need to reassure Tkachuk that he remains a valued member of the team. Andlauer reiterated that there had been no discussions with any team regarding Tkachuk’s status.
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