Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa took an awkward turn Wednesday, adding another headache for Senators head coach Andrew Campbell.
The former Senators captain was back at Canadian Tire Centre for the first time since his controversial June trade, but his behavior around former teammates quickly attracted attention.
According to TSN reporter Claire Hanna, several Ottawa players gathered near the visiting bench during morning skate to reconnect with familiar faces. Tkachuk wasn't among those exchanging greetings.
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Instead, Lars Eller received a warm reception. Tim Stützle, Jake Sanderson, Drake Batherson, Linus Ullmark and Fabian Zetterlund were among those who welcomed their former teammate.
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Brady Tkachuk's absence in Sens return may have escalated things
Tkachuk's absence stood out, especially considering the bitter circumstances surrounding his departure.
After eight seasons with Ottawa, he informed the organization he wouldn't sign another contract extension.
That decision eventually led to his trade, leaving fans furious and transforming what should have been an emotional homecoming into a potentially hostile reception.
There was another interesting wrinkle. Sanderson revealed that Tkachuk paid for dinner Tuesday night, suggesting the former captain hadn't completely avoided reconnecting with people from Ottawa.
But Stützle told Hanna he hadn't attended that dinner and hadn't seen Tkachuk since his return to the city. That only added to the questions surrounding their reunion.
Tkachuk later explained that he'd arrived at the arena at 8:30 a.m. specifically to spend time catching up with former teammates and Senators staff.
His explanation suggests the missing bench reunion wasn't necessarily intentional. Still, with emotions running high, even a routine interaction was enough to attract scrutiny.
The forward had also prepared for an angry crowd, reportedly planning to donate any jerseys thrown onto the ice to the Boys and Girls Club.
For Ottawa supporters who felt abandoned by their former captain, that charitable gesture might not erase the frustration surrounding his departure.
And for Tkachuk, the uncomfortable morning skate was another reminder that returning to Ottawa wearing opposing colors was never going to be an ordinary night.
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Did Brady Tkachuk disrespect his former Senators teammates by avoiding the bench reunion?
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