Report Suggests the Panthers Are Trying to Acquire Brady Tkachuk

The Florida Panthers had a difficult, injury-riddled 2025-26 season, but that might only end up benefiting and motivating them moving forward.

A 25th-place finish landed them the ninth overall pick in the upcoming draft and their longest summer in seven years to rest and recover for next season.

So now, not only will the Panthers have a fully healthy lineup heading into 2026-27, they also have a major asset to use this offseason. According to team reporter Alan Greenberg, rumors continue to swirl that GM Bill Zito is looking to package that pick in a deal to the Ottawa Senators for Brady Tkachuk.

Greenberg wrote:

“There are a few X-factors here which can change everything. Rumors continue to swirl that Zito is attempting to acquire Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators. 

If this is the case, surely one or more of the signed forwards will be in the deal. Zito might also try to trade up from Florida’s ninth pick in the first round of the draft — or move it in a deal for a goalie. This, too, will be at the cost of a regular with time on his contract. Buckle up, this offseason could be quite the ride,”

The 26-year-old Tkachuk has two years remaining on the seven-year, $57,564,958 contract extension he signed with the Senators in 2021, which now includes a full no-movement clause.

Florida back at full strength is terrifying enough for the rest of the league—then factor in the possibility of acquiring Tkachuk, and they just might be the favorites to win the Stanley Cup next season.

Tkachuk hasn’t publicly asked for a trade out of Ottawa, but there has been constant noise surrounding his future, and last season had some moments where it felt like his time as a Senator may be running its course.

Other teams around the NHL can probably offer a stronger package than the Panthers, but Tkachuk has the ultimate say in this. So if he wants to play with brother Matthew in Florida, it’s going to happen sooner rather than later.

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