Overview
- An NHL insider said there is a good chance Ottawa will explore trading captain Brady Tkachuk this summer following the sweep by Carolina.
- Tkachuk has two years left on an $8.2 million-per-year contract, which creates pressure to decide before he can reach unrestricted free agency.
- He went scoreless in four playoff games against the Hurricanes, though he posted 22 goals and 27 assists in 60 regular-season games and strong five-on-five shot share numbers.
- Analyses highlight Florida, Chicago, Utah, Philadelphia, and St. Louis as realistic fits based on cap space, draft capital, and roster needs, with no deal in place.
- Reporting suggests Ottawa plans an aggressive offseason to strengthen the roster and show Tkachuk the team can contend.