Let's be honest, Brady Tkachuk's departure is still generating plenty of discussion around the Ottawa Senators, but Tim Stützle is looking straight ahead.
The star forward has finally opened up about the blockbuster trade that took place last June. Losing a captain completely changes the dynamic inside an NHL locker room.
Tkachuk essentially forced management's hand to join his brother Matthew with the Florida Panthers. In return for their leader, the Senators received three valuable first-round picks.
Currently participating in a media tour in Europe, No. 18 admitted that he will miss his former teammate. However, he still respects Tkachuk's personal decision to leave Canada's capital for Florida.
Let's be honest, the decision remains a particularly bitter pill for loyal Senators fans to swallow. Their young star is instead choosing to focus on players who genuinely want to wear the jersey every night.
« I'm also happy that we have a lot of guys who want to be in Ottawa. If that's his decision, that's his decision. I'm going to respect that, obviously, and we're going to move on. ». -Tim Stützle
Tim Stützle takes a subtle shot at Brady Tkachuk after stunning trade
With the big forward gone, leadership responsibilities will naturally shift to other players. The 24-year-old center says he is fully prepared to take on a larger role with the team.
Make no mistake, the organization wants to build around players who are fully committed to its success. The acquisition of promising forward William Eklund helps fill part of the offensive void left behind.
Looking at the team's recent moves, it quickly becomes clear that management wants to turn the page. The many assets it has accumulated will be used to strengthen the core for years to come.
Last spring's quick elimination at the hands of the powerful Carolina Hurricanes left the team with a deep sense of unfinished business. That painful lesson will undoubtedly provide extra motivation to begin the upcoming season on the right foot.
« We can move on now and focus on what's ahead. »Tim Stützle
The talented center noted that several close games could have gone in Ottawa's favor. The current group desperately needs to find a way to produce better results on the ice.
Without their former captain's shadow hanging over them, the locker room appears surprisingly united as training camp approaches. Everyone is pulling in the same direction to get the team back into the playoffs.
With a completely new identity, the Ontario squad will look to shake things up in the highly competitive Atlantic Division. The coming months promise to be incredibly exciting for this young team in transition.
Source : The Athletic
Do you believe the Senators will be better without Brady Tkachuk?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Dylan Larkin officially shown the door by Red Wings
