The Ottawa Senators have traded captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers for two first‑round selections from Friday’s draft, a 2029 first‑rounder and a future second‑rounder. Florida also receives its No. 9 pick and the No. 25 pick acquired from Seattle earlier that day. Tkachuk, under a seven‑year deal through 2028, joins brother Matthew on a club that missed the playoffs after back‑to‑back Cups.

Ottawa’s front office believed Tkachuk wanted a change after his Olympic return and a win‑tour with Team USA. Though he pledged loyalty as late as April, his no‑trade clause let him steer talks with several clubs. The Senators, who fell in the first round both of the past two seasons, extracted significant draft capital and hope the assets restock their prospect pool.

General manager Bill Zito, who previously paid a hefty price for Matthew, believes the window is open and that adding $8.2 million cap‑hit talent solidifies a contender. With captain Aleksander Barkov back from knee surgery, the Panthers now possess a potent top line and expect to re‑enter the postseason race immediately. The move gives Florida a power‑forward option on the right side.