When Thomas Chabot addressed the media at the Ottawa Senators’ annual golf tournament on a damp Tuesday morning in Ottawa, the defenseman likened the feeling to the first day of school—a mix of familiarity and renewed energy after the offseason. Yet beneath the optimism, the Senators remain unsettled following the departure of former captain Brady Tkachuk, who was traded to the Florida Panthers in June.

Tkachuk’s exit has left a significant void in Ottawa. The 24-year-old was widely seen as a key emotional and on-ice leader during the Senators’ recent breakthrough seasons, which ended a seven-year playoff drought. His departure has compelled the team to adjust not only its lineup but also its identity ahead of the approaching NHL training camp.

Chabot reflected on the loss, acknowledging the difficulty of seeing a player of Tkachuk’s caliber move on. “You want guys to be here,” he said. “You want guys to want to be part of this team and part of this city. When you see something like that, obviously, I’d be lying if I said I was happy when he decided to leave.”

The circumstances surrounding the trade have been a topic of conversation within the organization. Ottawa General Manager Steve Staios revealed in a July podcast that Tkachuk had been considering a departure for more than a year before requesting the trade. Head coach Travis Green admitted on a separate podcast that the move had been upsetting.

Among teammates, reactions have ranged from surprise to acceptance. Defenseman Jake Sanderson, who shared an Olympic gold medal with Tkachuk earlier this year, described the day of the trade as “a really weird day,” coinciding with his engagement announcement. Forward Tim Stützle noted he was taken aback but emphasized moving forward as a team.

Tkachuk’s new chapter in Florida pairs him with his brother, Matthew Tkachuk, on a Panthers roster eager to rebound after injuries curtailed last season. Despite missing 20 games due to a right thumb injury in 2025-26, Brady Tkachuk managed 59 points in 60 games, underscoring his continued offensive impact.

In return, the Senators received four draft picks, including three first-round selections, using one to acquire forward William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks. While the assets signal a potential rebuild, team officials acknowledge more moves will be necessary to replace Tkachuk’s production and leadership.

The trade has also stirred strong emotions among Senators fans, some of whom have expressed frustration by discarding Tkachuk jerseys and openly criticizing the decision to honor him with a video tribute when the Panthers visit Ottawa on October 21. The organization has responded with a jersey exchange program and a new team slogan, “The Hill We Choose,” aimed at rallying loyal supporters amid the transition.

Staios stressed the importance of thoughtfully choosing a new captain but noted that multiple players are emerging as viable candidates. “I don’t think it’s on their minds,” he said of the leadership question, indicating the team will progress naturally as training camp advances.

Despite lingering sensitivity over Tkachuk’s trade, players like Sanderson remain optimistic about the Senators’ prospects. “I think we’re a team that’s getting a lot better and has a window here to win a Stanley Cup,” he said.

As the Senators prepare for the season ahead, the challenge remains clear: filling the leadership and production gap left by Tkachuk while retaining the support of a fan base still adjusting to the NHL landscape without their former captain.