Brady Tkachuk’s blockbuster move from the Ottawa Senators to the Florida Panthers continues to generate debate, and fresh comments from TSN 1200’s AJ Jakubec have added new details to the story.
Speaking on The Drive, Jakubec claimed that much of the trade speculation surrounding Ottawa’s former captain originated from Brady’s father, Keith Tkachuk.
“And the reality is, Keith Tkachuk, from the people that I was talking to, was telling everyone and anyone that would listen at the Olympics that he was going to get Brady out of Ottawa,” Jakubec said. “So, when that's going on in hockey circles, that's where the noise was coming from.”
The Panthers acquired Brady on Father’s Day, June 21, in a blockbuster deal that reunited him with his older brother Matthew Tkachuk in Florida. Ottawa received a significant package of draft picks in return after Brady reportedly narrowed his preferred destinations through his no-movement clause.
Jakubec pushed back against claims that media speculation forced the situation. “I do take some umbrage at him complaining about the white noise,” he said. “No, you know what? It started with Keith Tkachuk. It was Keith Tkachuk-driven.”
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The comments follow months of tension around Brady’s future. After Ottawa’s playoff exit, the captain publicly dismissed trade rumors and called the speculation a distraction. However, Senators general manager Steve Staios later revealed that Brady requested a trade after the season.
The situation drew heavy media attention throughout the latter half of the season, especially after Keith’s appearance on the family’s Wingmen podcast, where he openly questioned coach Travis Green’s handling of Brady.
Despite posting 59 points in 60 games and helping Ottawa reach the playoffs, Brady’s future remained a constant topic. According to Jakubec, that distraction lingered all season. “This is for the best for this team because we don't need that distraction here for the next couple of years,” he said.
