Tim Stutzle emphasizes that the Ottawa Senators must move forward following the trade of captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. Stutzle remains optimistic about the team's future, asserting that they won't take a step back despite Tkachuk's departure. He acknowledges Tkachuk's contributions but insists the focus is on the current roster and achieving playoff success for the third consecutive season. The Senators have added new talent, including Andre Burakovsky and William Eklund, to support their young core and build a strong team culture.

By the Numbers
  • Brady Tkachuk served as captain since 2021 before his trade in June.
  • The Senators have made the playoffs in the last two seasons but have yet to win a round.
State of Play
  • The Senators are focused on their core group, featuring players like Stutzle, Jake Sanderson, and Thomas Chabot.
  • Stutzle expresses confidence that leadership within the team will be shared among several players.
What's Next

Ottawa will face off against the Panthers, including Tkachuk, for the first time on October 21. The team aims to solidify its position in the standings and build upon its recent playoff appearances.

Bottom Line

The Senators are determined to adapt to Tkachuk's absence while strengthening their team identity and culture. Moving on without their captain may be challenging, but Stutzle's leadership and the addition of new players suggest a promising future for the franchise.