Keith Tkachuk just told Chris Johnston it's time for Senators fans to move on from Brady Tkachuk's exit.
The former NHL star spoke about the reception his son got in Ottawa, and he didn't hold back. It's a message aimed straight at a fan base that hasn't exactly warmed up to the Florida Panthers winger.
"Yeah, it was interesting," Keith said. "Hey, I don't have any animosity toward anything. It's still your son. I wish (the Panthers) played better. I was a little more upset at how disappointing they played, and Ottawa played well. They voiced their opinion."
Then came the line that will travel: "Brady's moved on. We've moved on. It's time Ottawa moves on."
Brady was drafted fourth overall by the Senators in 2018. His first trip back as a Panther came with his brother Matthew in the same lineup, and the building made its feelings known.
Keith's name is already in the middle of the conversation this weekend. Keith Tkachuk's reaction to Brian Burke's comments was our story on Sunday, when he said the no-trade clause remarks were aimed at his sons.
Keith knows the game as well as anybody. He scored 538 goals in 1201 NHL games, and he has heard his share of boos from rival buildings.
Will Ottawa fans ever let Brady Tkachuk go?
Not on command. Telling a fan base to move on is a request that has never worked in hockey, and a father saying it publicly only gives the crowd more to chew on the next time Brady skates into Canadian Tire Centre.
Keith did offer a hockey point worth noting. He was more bothered by how the Panthers played than by the noise, and he credited Ottawa for a strong game.
The Senators are 11-6-1 and have won two straight, so the home crowd has plenty to cheer about without the Tkachuks. They host Winnipeg on Tuesday.
Brady, meanwhile, has bigger concerns. He has 10 goals and 10 assists in 18 games, but the Panthers are 9-7-2 and have lost two straight after a 4-1 loss in Boston on Sunday. He piled up 25 penalty minutes in that game.
Florida is at Columbus on Tuesday. The next time Brady faces Ottawa, the reception will tell us whether Keith's request landed.
Quick hits
COLORADO AVALANCHE: Still no word on Cale Makar this morning, a day after he left practice in pain. Anything but good news here would be a big blow in Denver.
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TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: Darren Dreger just gave fans a new timeline on Morgan Rielly, and it's the kind Leafs supporters were hoping to hear.
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TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Jon Cooper says Brayden Point "might miss some time" after leaving Sunday's game in Winnipeg and not returning. Lightning fans will want an update soon.
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NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Connor Hrabchak is hinting the Devils could recall goalie David Rittich with Anthony Mantha hurt, and the Connor Hellebuyck saga has a new wrinkle.
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WINNIPEG JETS: Connor Hellebuyck won't play in Winnipeg on Tuesday, but he will face the Jets' hometown media and says he'll explain why he wanted out. That press conference will be must-see.
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Should Senators fans stop booing Brady Tkachuk now that his father has asked them to move on?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Boston sends Florida home embarrassed after chaos involving Brady and Matthew Tkachuk
