Brady Tkachuk made his much-anticipated return to Ottawa, and it went as expected as Senators fans greeted their former captain with loud boos.
Apparently unable to read the room, the Senators played a video tribute to Tkachuk as he took the ice for his new team – the Florida Panthers. It was greeted with boos from the fans in attendance at Canadian Tire Centre. Tkachuk, who seems to enjoy playing the villain role, reveled in the reaction.
Tkachuk was a first-round pick by Ottawa in the 2018 NHL Draft and spent his first eight seasons with the Senators. He asked for a trade after last season, hoping to play with his older brother Matthew Tkachuk in Florida. On June 21, Brady Tkachuk was sent to Florida in a blockbuster trade.
With their former captain playing in his first game in Ottawa since the trade, the local fans had thoughts.
Lots of boos to welcome Tkachuk and the Panthers. #Senspic.twitter.com/wFtSNaqeQR
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) October 21, 2026
Senators fans also got creative with placards and personalized jerseys.
These signs are incredible pic.twitter.com/7n1ylOX8Af
— Kevin Lee (@BringBackLee) October 21, 2026
Ottawa Senator fans arrive for Wednesday’s game with changed #Brady#Tkachuk jerseys at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Thomas Pace brought a pin the tail on the trade game with him to the game Wednesday. @OttawaCitizen@SunGarrioch@Senators#NHL#Sens@FlaPantherspic.twitter.com/4KeQ4W2HA2
— Tony Caldwell (@tonysunphoto) October 21, 2026
Ottawa Senator fans arrive for Wednesday’s game with changed #Brady#Tkachuk jerseys at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Thomas Pace brought a pin the tail on the trade game with him to the game Wednesday. @OttawaCitizen@SunGarrioch@Senators#NHL#Sens@FlaPantherspic.twitter.com/ZlTNeBNeNy
— Tony Caldwell (@tonysunphoto) October 21, 2026
Fans also made a punching bag in Tkachuk's likeness.
A Brady Tkachuk punching bag has popped up outside the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa 🥊 pic.twitter.com/cPYWWiZEoz
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 21, 2026
Brady Tkachuk seemed to enjoy the Senators fans' reaction to his presence.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brady Tkachuk booed in Ottawa return, revels in Senators fans' reaction