OTTAWA, ON – Ottawa Senators’ captain Brady Tkachuk is making waves, not with his performance on the ice, but with a bold request off it. The star forward has officially asked the team to consider erecting a statue of him outside the Canadian Tire Centre as a tribute to his dedication and contributions to the team.
Tkachuk, who has become the face of the franchise since his debut with the Senators, has been instrumental in leading the team through both triumphs and challenges. Known for his grit, leadership, and passion for the game, Tkachuk’s request isn’t just about personal recognition—it’s about cementing his legacy in Ottawa’s hockey history.
“I’ve poured everything I have into this organization,” Tkachuk said in a statement. “The Ottawa Senators are my second family, and the fans here have been incredible from day one. I believe this statue would be a lasting symbol of our journey together and the passion we share for this game.”
Since being named captain in 2018, Tkachuk has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of the Senators. His physical style of play, combined with his leadership on and off the ice, has made him a fan favorite in Ottawa. In his years with the team, Tkachuk has amassed numerous milestones, becoming one of the league’s most respected forwards.
Tkachuk’s request for a statue comes as part of his ongoing commitment to the team, a gesture that reflects his belief in the Senators’ future and his place within that narrative.
The Ottawa Senators organization has not yet confirmed whether they will move forward with Tkachuk’s request. However, sources within the team suggest the idea has sparked considerable discussion. Many within the organization and among fans believe Tkachuk’s leadership and dedication to the Senators warrant such a tribute.
“Brady has done a lot for this franchise and this community,” said Pierre Dorion, General Manager of the Ottawa Senators. “His passion for the game and the city of Ottawa is unmatched, and we’re always open to honoring our great players in meaningful ways.”
Fans have quickly rallied behind Tkachuk’s request, with many calling for the statue to be a recognition of his role in revitalizing the Senators. Social media has erupted with support, with some fans even suggesting locations around the arena where the statue could stand.
“I think it’s a great idea,” one fan said. “Brady is the heart and soul of this team, and he deserves to be immortalized outside the arena where he’s given so much. It would be a perfect tribute to a player who has done so much for this organization.”
Others are excited about the possibility of Tkachuk joining the ranks of legendary players who have been commemorated with statues, further solidifying his place in Ottawa’s sports history.
SNAPSHOTS: Brady Tkachuk was the centre of attention in club’s loss to the Habs
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Brady Tkachuk made his presence known Saturday night at the Canadian Tire Centre.
That’s not unusual because that’s usually the case every night.
But, the Ottawa Senators’ sophomore winger was a pain in the neck against the Montreal Canadiens in the club’s 3-0 loss to close out this six-game home stand and Tkachuk pretty much played a role in some way or another during the four games against one of the club’s arch-rivals this season.
Not only did Tkachuk drop the gloves with Brendan Gallagher in the first period after he hit defenceman Thomas Chabot, he also jawed with Nate Thompson at the end of the second and was given a 10-minute misconduct at the end because of an incident with Ben Cousins.
Tkachuk skated by the bench on his way to the dressing room in the third with his fist pointed in the air. A little gamesmanship to set the tone for next season, but he also enjoys facing the Habs because he knows what these games mean to fans in both cities.
“It’s just another rivalry game,” Tkachuk said. “It’s Saturday night, it’s a packed house, it’s an emotional game and it’s a fun atmosphere. I just want to show up, be physical and do things right. For me, personally, I’m just trying to play the same way. I definitely could have been a little bit better (Saturday) but at the end of the day we’re a little disappointed we didn’t get the two points.”
Coach D.J. Smith would rather have Tkachuk on the ice but knows the role he has to play as well.
“He grew up in a hockey family,” said Smith. “His dad (Keith) is ultra-competitive, his brother (Matthew) is ultra-competitive and when you get a game where the place is sold out with a rivalry against Toronto or Montreal and the fans are into it and it just fires him up even more.
“He brings it on a night when there’s not much cheering on the road or wherever we are. He’s ultra, ultra competitive and he leads us into the battle 90% of the time. He’s making room for himself for the rest of his career is what he’s doing. When he’s 25-year-old and he’s the biggest, strongest guy he’s going to be really hard to play against.”
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A GOOD DEBUT
Josh Norris and Drake Batherson were sent back to the club’s AHL affiliate in Belleville Sunday morning.
Both will play a big role for Belleville down the stretch, but they’ll also likely be back to play NHL games before the end of the regular season and that could be sooner rather than later depending on what happens at the NHL trade deadline Monday at 3 p.m.
Called up Friday, the 20-year-old Norris made his NHL debut against the Habs and didn’t look out of place with 15:16 of playing time on 20 shifts. He was used on the power play as well by Smith and looked pretty comfortable in his first game.
“It was good to get my feet wet,” he said. “I thought in the first period I was kind of feeling it out a little bit but I was maybe thinking a bit too much. I thought as the game progressed, I started making some plays and I had a few good chances. As the game went on, I thought it got better.”
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Norris appreciated making his debut on Hockey Night in Canada.
“What more can you ask for by playing on a Saturday night against Montreal for my first game so it certainly was a special night,” he said.
Norris was helmet-less for his solo lap during warmup and that’s because it was hidden by his teammates.
“I found out about 10 minutes before I went out so I thought that was kind of funny,” Norris said. “I had a fun time skating around there in warmups. I wish I could have gotten my helmet back a little sooner, my hair wasn’t necessarily perfect but it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Tkachuk said he may have had something do with it.
“Kind of, not really, the first game is always a memorable one,” said Tkachuk, a close friend of Norris. “I thought he played very well (Saturday) and some of those chances were close to going in. It shows the type of player he is but I think doing stuff like that makes it even more memorable.
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“I was chirping him that he had a tough hair day in warmup. It was good, it was fun, he deserved it and I thought he looked great (Saturday).”
THE LAST WORDS
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk, who had a liver transplant in 2015, was thrilled for Toronto emergency goalie David Ayres when he had the opportunity to play for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Leafs Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena.
Ayres, 42, had a kidney transplant when he was 25-years-old and Melnyk is hopeful this will help raise awareness for organ donation. Melnyk started the Organ Project not long after his surgery and is hopeful stories like Ayres will resonate with the public to sign donor cards.
“We’re all delighted at the Organ Project for David who is now an alumni of receiving a kidney transplant only 15 years ago,” Melnyk said in an email. “We continue to strive to encourage people to register as organ donors to help with life saving transplants and give us moments like last nights heroics. Congratulations David and godspeed.”
