Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and goaltender Linus Ullmark were both requested by the team to speak with the media ahead of Thursday night’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres but were unavailable, according to the Senators. The absence comes amid growing scrutiny surrounding comments made by Tkachuk’s father, Keith, on the family’s “Wingmen” podcast.
During a recent episode featuring Keith, Brady, and Matthew Tkachuk, the Hall of Famer criticized modern players for becoming “soft” in how they handle injuries. Keith referenced legendary goaltender Grant Fuhr playing 70+ games in a season, contrasting it Linus Ullmark, Brady’s teammate in Ottawa. Keith Tkachuk said he was disgusted by the Senators, and things were made even more tense when Brady laughed awkwardly while his brother Matthew quickly attempted to change the subject.
TSN’s Bryan Hayes pointed out what many are thinking: “We might be witnessing the first ‘podcast in your parents’ basement’ have a serious effect on a hockey team. Never thought I’d see the day, but the Tkachuks might’ve pulled off the impossible.”
Hayes seems to be hinting that the fallout from a podcast interview might actually lead to issues for the Senators, perhaps ultimately a trade.
Are the Senators Headed in a Bad Direction?
Senators head coach Travis Green has downplayed the drama, hoping to keep the focus on the ice as Ottawa pushes for a playoff spot. But, as neither Ullmark nor Brady Tkachuk were willing to talk today, members of the media and some fans will jump to their own conclusions.
Is that a coincidence? Or, did they not want to talk and draw more attention to this podcast? Internal distractions are the last thing the club needs at this stage of the season, but not talking has its consequences, too. As one former Ottawa TV anchor noted, “That says a lot without them saying anything. Something is really messed up with this group.”
The one thing that’s important to note here is that Ullmark rarely, if ever, does media ahead of a game. That should be taken into account when it comes to his choosing not to speak.
Whether the podcast comments have created real tension between Tkachuk and Ullmark remains unclear, but the optics are far from ideal.
And, if things are really bad, then what?
Next: Can John Tortorella Really Move the Needle in Vegas?
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