NHL insider David Pagnotta has made a strong point that he is not going to change any dialogue for fans after Brady Tkachuk was indeed traded to the Florida Panthers following months of rumors.

Before the offseason, Pagnotta reported in April that Tkachuk, who played his entire career at Ottawa and had two years remaining on his contract, would be moved at some point this offseason. This comes after Brady said he'd be fully committed to the Senators for next season.

"If I was wrong, I would apologize... I stand by what I reported on Friday based on what I was told. I wouldn't have taken a swing if I did not like what was coming at me."

"So unfortunately, it is what it is, and I have to deal with the chirps and very creative ones too," Pagnotta said on fans coming at him after his report on Tkachuk, in the latest episode of the Hello Hockey show.

Brady was traded to the Florida Panthers by the Ottawa Senators in June for the No. 9 and No. 25 picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, another first-round pick (conditional) in the 2029 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. 

"It's probably the closest group in the League," Tkachuk said of the Panthers at his introductory press conference. "It's just everybody's always doing stuff together. Everything's done by committee and everybody's a part of the puzzle. 

"Their sole focus is winning, and that's something I'm just excited to join and help out. ... I'm just really excited for this next chapter." 

The thumb brothers are reunited in South Beach, as Brady and Matthew will play alongside each other after representing Team USA at the Milan Olympics.

The Panthers had a rough season, finishing 7th in the Atlantic Division with a 40-38-4 record (84 points) and missing the playoffs.

But the blockbuster trade of Brady will bring hope to fans, who had a terrific run at Ottawa.

Brady Tkachuk Had a Memorable Run with the Ottawa Senators

The Senators selected Tkachuk with the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, and the 26-year-old went on to make a name for himself in some fashion.

Tkachuk has 463 points (213 goals, 250 assists) in 572 regular-season games, and seven points (four goals, three assists) in 10 playoff games.

The forward spent five seasons as Ottawa's captain and has not lost a step since his inception, having 59 points (22 goals, 37 assists) in 60 regular-season games with the Senators this season.

However, he did not have a point in four Stanley Cup Playoff games, something he will want to change with the Panthers, as the Senators got swept by the Cup-champion Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference First Round.

The trade to the Panthers comes just two months after Brady was fully committed to the Senators. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, GM Steve Staios explained why the move was made.  

"What changed was a trade request," Staios said.

"I think for me, I was always fully supportive and wanting to make it work long term. I think it became clear as the season went on that something was amiss, and that had changed, but up until that point I would have loved to have seen it through with Brady."

Regardless, Brady and Matthew will now attempt to send the Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final, just like in each of Matthew's first three seasons at South Beach.

So, who do you think won the trade between the Senators and the Panthers? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy