Panthers Said to Target Brady Tkachuk in Blockbuster Trade Pursuit

The Florida Panthers are reportedly in the early stages of a blockbuster trade pursuit, with Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk as their top target. According to team reporter Alan Greenberg, Panthers general manager Bill Zito is exploring a potential deal that could bring Tkachuk to South Florida. The Panthers, who finished 25th in the league last season and hold the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, are said to be considering a trade package that could include a forward and possibly their first-round selection.

Tkachuk, 26, is under contract through 2027 with a full no-movement clause. His current deal, signed in 2021, is a seven-year, $57,564,958 contract. Despite not publicly requesting a trade, the 2025-26 season saw increased speculation about his future, especially after inconsistent performance and a lack of chemistry with the Senators’ core.

Greenberg notes: “There are a few X-factors here which can change everything. Rumors continue to swirl that Zito is attempting to acquire Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators. If this is the case, surely one or more of the signed forwards will be in the deal. Zito might also try to trade up from Florida’s ninth pick in the first round of the draft, or move it in a deal for a goalie. This, too, will be at the cost of a regular with time on his contract. Buckle up, this offseason could be quite the ride.”

The Panthers’ interest in Tkachuk could be driven by a desire to reunite him with his older brother, Matthew Tkachuk, who has been a key contributor in Florida since 2019. Matthew, 27, is under contract through 2028 with an annual cap hit of $8.5 million. If Brady joins, it could create a dynamic top-six duo and instantly elevate Florida’s offensive firepower.

Tkachuk’s impact in the 2025-26 season was mixed, as he recorded 14 goals and 38 assists in 82 games, averaging 52.3 seconds of ice time per game. His plus-minus of -7 and a 45.3% faceoff win rate suggest room for improvement in two-way play.

The trade would be a major salary hit for the Panthers, who have $6.2 million in cap space for 2026-27. Adding Tkachuk’s $8.2 million annual cap hit would require shedding salary or moving a player with a cap hit over $4 million. Potential trade candidates include forwards like Sam Reinhart or Matthew everest.

The Senators, meanwhile, could use the return to retool their roster. Tkachuk’s departure would free up cap space and allow Ottawa to pivot toward a younger core. The Panthers, if they land Tkachuk, would enter the 2026-27 season as one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

The NHL trade deadline is still months away, but the Panthers are already moving quickly. Tkachuk’s decision could come as early as June, with the Senators weighing offers from multiple teams. Stay tuned for updates as this blockbuster trade possibility unfolds.