The outstanding issue with the Tkachuk contract is the term.

Oster has been clear with Dorion that Tkachuk will only accept a four or five year deal, enabling him to achieve UFA status while still in his prime. On the other hand, Sens management has no interest in loosing Tkachuk in 2025 or 2026. The team's Stanley Cup window may only just be opening by 2025. Wisely, Dorion is reportedly only offering short term (2-3 year) and long term (8 year) contracts.

Unfortunately, the next few months will be difficult for Dorion. The Tkachuk family has recently reminded the media of their history of holding out until contract demands are met. I expect Dorion will be forced to succumb, and will meet Brady's demands.

Similar to Austin Matthews contract in Toronto, Tkachuk's upcoming contract will almost certainly be unfavorable to ownership and fans. The summer of 2026 might be bleak for hockey fans accross Ontario, with Matthews not hiding his desire to relocate to either Arizona or California and the Tkachuk brothers expected arrival in Missouri.

If a bonus type of addition to the contract is the final hurdle, as many are all of a sudden saying today (not sure the actual source), then just give him his effin bonus. He’s “the guy” here. He’s (gonna be) our captain. If not him, who?
- PavohnDatsvares

Chabot. I'm honestly quite surprised at how many people are just fine with Tkachuk being offered $8M/yr, when he hasn't even scored 25G/50pts yet. Who on the Senators has ever gotten that kind of money based on so little production? Karlsson got his extension after putting up a 78pts season... Chabot had the equivalent of a 64pts season... and they were bloody d-men. I mean, are we even certain that Tkachuk will be the #1LW on the team for much longer? Stutzle is supposed to be the all-world offensive talent, and they could find themselves in direct competition for premium ice time and PP minutes.

Regardless, anyone who's playing in Ottawa with this level of emphasis on the details of the money will have a very-high risk of leaving. That's why you give the "C" to Chabot, who has very openly expressed an interest in staying with the team long-term, regardless of how the money gets paid out. Then you sign Tkachuk to as short an RFA deal as possible, and say if you want $8M/yr in your early 20's, you need to bloody well prove you can produce like an $8M/yr NHL player.

I'm inclined to agree - I actually think Chabot is a better face for the franchise, in terms of operating as a small-market Canadian team with a large bilingual fan base. Plus, if you want to change the culture of your team in terms of things like hardline negotiations, maybe try going out of your way to reward the foundational guy who agreed to sign an $8Mx8yr deal an entire year before he had to, without any question or drama whatsoever. Tkachuk may be the "big brother" of the team, but if I was forced to choose between him and Chabot, there's no question that I would take Chabot.
- khawk

I would fine with Chabot wearing the C and you make very good points in favour of him being captain.

The outstanding issue with the Tkachuk contract is the term.

Oster has been clear with Dorion that Tkachuk will only accept a four or five year deal, enabling him to achieve UFA status while still in his prime. On the other hand, Sens management has no interest in loosing Tkachuk in 2025 or 2026. The team's Stanley Cup window may only just be opening by 2025. Wisely, Dorion is reportedly only offering short term (2-3 year) and long term (8 year) contracts.

Unfortunately, the next few months will be difficult for Dorion. The Tkachuk family has recently reminded the media of their history of holding out until contract demands are met. I expect Dorion will be forced to succumb, and will meet Brady's demands.

Similar to Austin Matthews contract in Toronto, Tkachuk's upcoming contract will almost certainly be unfavorable to ownership and fans. The summer of 2026 might be bleak for hockey fans accross Ontario, with Matthews not hiding his desire to relocate to either Arizona or California and the Tkachuk brothers expected arrival in Missouri.
- Jackie Daytona

Absolutely do not give this guy four or five years and if that is what he has been asking for then only give three years or less and trade him asap. Get in on the Shane Wright sweepstakes.

It's more important to the team that a realistic salary structure for the team is maintained if they are ever to truly contend for the cup.

I have no idea what both sides are looking for but I would want Brady on a very tradable bridge deal if he is looking for big money, especially one of those deals that force a big QO.

If Brady's camp wants to play cutthroat offer him a short term deal at 5 to 6 mil with no bonuses of any kind or he can play golf because he's not going to be playing hockey anywhere.

I like Brady a lot. Who doesn't? I just like the team more. I'd be looking to trade for unprotected first round picks of bottom feeders this coming year along with players that fill a need. Drysdale in Anaheim or Seider in Detroit, either one would make me happy.
My first choice of course would be to have Brady stay but not if it means that the coming young stars will have to go.

If it's Melnyk that is being unreasonable then where are those tar and feathers?
- Whatisavailable

No chance of that. Wings need Seider (defense) way more than a winger. They need a 1st or 2nd line center and defensemen...Tkachuk is neither. Wings have plenty of wingers already with more coming. I doubt the Ducks would trade Drysdale either.

Maybe Tkachuk to Arizona for Chychrun would work.

Chabot. I'm honestly quite surprised at how many people are just fine with Tkachuk being offered $8M/yr, when he hasn't even scored 25G/50pts yet. But regardless, anyone who's playing in Ottawa with this level of emphasis on the details of the money will have a very-high risk of leaving. That's why you give the "C" to Chabot, who has very openly expressed an interest in staying with the team long-term, regardless of how the money gets paid out. Then you sign Tkachuk to as short an RFA deal as possible, and say if you want $8M/yr in your early 20's, you need to bloody well prove you can produce like an $8M/yr NHL player.
- khawk

I meant, who deserves a bonus if not him?That wasn’t about the captaincy. Of all the contracts still needing to be signed, and those next off season, no one deserves a bonus more than Brady.

Edit: For what it’s worth, I’d be perfectly fine with Chabot getting the C.

Mike Johnson just said on TSN1050 with Noodles and O-Dog that the Brady deal is 8 years but 8.5 AAV is what he thinks Brady wants. But that the bonus structure is what is holding it all up!!

No chance of that. Wings need Seider (defense) way more than a winger. They need a 1st or 2nd line center and defensemen...Tkachuk is neither. Wings have plenty of wingers already with more coming. I doubt the Ducks would trade Drysdale either.

Maybe Tkachuk to Arizona for Chychrun would work.
- dcz28

Problem is I think Chychrun's a left D and they should try to improve on weaknesses. Brady's value is pretty good I imagine, especially with bottom feeder teams. I'd be looking at the unprotected first round picks of those kind of teams as part of the deal.

Arizona is building around Chychrun and Keller so I don’t see a trade there. The Sens are going to have to overpay for Brady like the Wild did for Kaprisov. Columbus overpaid for Warenski and the Oilers overpaid for Nurse because some markets are less desirable than others. If a star player is going to play in Minny or Winnipeg or Ottawa, they are going to pay a premium to get him. Management can play hardball to mitigate the cost, but at some point you have face reality and cut a deal or deal the guy away for the best offer.

Mike Johnson just said on TSN1050 with Noodles and O-Dog that the Brady deal is 8 years but 8.5 AAV is what he thinks Brady wants. But that the bonus structure is what is holding it all up!!
- Kevin Francis

Unless it is an excessive front end loaded deal, the bonus should not present a significant problem as money is still relatively cheap. I believe it has to be something else. My guess is the Sens would want to maintain the right to trade Tkachuk and Tkachuk would likely want a NMC after four years.

If it is bonus or NMC related they should be able to work that through.

I actually have some sympathy for Melnyk in never wanting to get hosed by another Dany Heatley fiasco.

Change up the negotiators to allow for more robust negotiations to try to break the stalemate. Pierre McGuire for management and Mike Commodore for Brady.

Arizona is building around Chychrun and Keller so I don’t see a trade there. The Sens are going to have to overpay for Brady like the Wild did for Kaprisov. Columbus overpaid for Warenski and the Oilers overpaid for Nurse because some markets are less desirable than others. If a star player is going to play in Minny or Winnipeg or Ottawa, they are going to pay a premium to get him. Management can play hardball to mitigate the cost, but at some point you have face reality and cut a deal or deal the guy away for the best offer.
- Minnyhock

If any player's priority is money I have absolutely no problem with that. They've worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices to get to where they're at and deserve every penny they can get.

As a fan I prefer a team that can challenge for the cup and the odds are better with a well rounded team so no hard feelings but get the best deal you can when you trade the money guys and never sign anything that puts them in the driver's seat.

Let Brady play golf until he signs even if it takes all year.

Unless it is an excessive front end loaded deal, the bonus should not present a significant problem as money is still relatively cheap. I believe it has to be something else. My guess is the Sens would want to maintain the right to trade Tkachuk and Tkachuk would likely want a NMC after four years.

If it is bonus or NMC related they should be able to work that through.

I actually have some sympathy for Melnyk in never wanting to get hosed by another Dany Heatley fiasco.
- spatso

If that was the case, we all have to ask ourselves, then why wasnt this done weeks ago? Why allow it to get to this point? There is a lot going on with the bonus structure and NMC, a lot! Again, it all goes back to Ottawa being the one team in the league that won't do certain aspects with a contract.

Unless it is an excessive front end loaded deal, the bonus should not present a significant problem as money is still relatively cheap. I believe it has to be something else. My guess is the Sens would want to maintain the right to trade Tkachuk and Tkachuk would likely want a NMC after four years.

If it is bonus or NMC related they should be able to work that through.

I actually have some sympathy for Melnyk in never wanting to get hosed by another Dany Heatley fiasco.
- spatso

These contract negotiations with Brady and Kaprizov are a game of chicken and leverage. Kaprizov wanted 3 yrs and Minnesota wanted 8. After that got settled, the money went fast but then it hit a big snag on the structure side of the contract. There are so many different elements at play and neither side realizes they have limited leverage until they do and playing chicken is impeding progress.

If that was the case, we all have to ask ourselves, then why wasnt this done weeks ago? Why allow it to get to this point? There is a lot going on with the bonus structure and NMC, a lot! Again, it all goes back to Ottawa being the one team in the league that won't do certain aspects with a contract.
- Kevin Francis

What about if Brady's thinking two or three years down the road he might be a fifty point second line LW with intangibles? What would he be able to ask for? If he can force any QO to be nine plus mil at that time he's laughing but the team is screwed. Am I wrong?

If that was the case, we all have to ask ourselves, then why wasnt this done weeks ago? Why allow it to get to this point? There is a lot going on with the bonus structure and NMC, a lot! Again, it all goes back to Ottawa being the one team in the league that won't do certain aspects with a contract.
- Kevin Francis

From Pro hockey rumours:

"In his latest 32 Thoughts column, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wonders if the delay in discussions for Senators restricted free agent Brady Tkachuk is more about structure than actual dollars. Year-to-year distribution has become more important with a high escrow rate now while it declines in future years while signing bonuses and trade protection are always important elements in talks for core players. Tkachuk is only eligible for trade protection in the UFA-eligible seasons of a long-term agreement and he’s four years away from getting to that point."

This really is complicated stuff. Not a lot of history for long term deals for players coming off their entry level deals. Melnyk does not want another Dany Heatley and Tkachuk's reps are trying to figure out how to prevent the Sens from trading him at the end of year 4.

From Pro hockey rumours:

"In his latest 32 Thoughts column, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wonders if the delay in discussions for Senators restricted free agent Brady Tkachuk is more about structure than actual dollars. Year-to-year distribution has become more important with a high escrow rate now while it declines in future years while signing bonuses and trade protection are always important elements in talks for core players. Tkachuk is only eligible for trade protection in the UFA-eligible seasons of a long-term agreement and he’s four years away from getting to that point."

This really is complicated stuff. Not a lot of history for long term deals for players coming off their entry level deals. Melnyk does not want another Dany Heatley and Tkachuk's reps are trying to figure out how to prevent the Sens from trading him at the end of year 4.
- spatso

100%! I mentioned in one of my blogs weeks ago, the backloaded money was an issue, just look no further than Chabot's contract, it's very backloaded, I wonder if Eugene just cant handle having 2 big contracts like that, that are backloaded?

I just hate how we always mess around with our star players. We think we’re gonna be the only team in the league to not ever hand out a bonus? Melnyk and Dorion are obsessed with doing things “our way”, while the rest of the league has developed and adapted to new ways of structuring contracts. Guys like Brady often get bonuses. That’s just the way she goes.

Pay that man!
- PavohnDatsvares[/quote

Sorry but I disagree, on Team 1200 today they claimed that with a flat cap and various horror stories like Heatley the NHL teams are not giving out bonuses etc like a few years ago. Brady is not a superstar yet and should not get more than Chabot. His family is giving him bad advise. Dorion should not cave in, let Brady sweat it out.

What about if Brady's thinking two or three years down the road he might be a fifty point second line LW with intangibles? What would he be able to ask for? If he can force any QO to be nine plus mil at that time he's laughing but the team is screwed. Am I wrong?
- Whatisavailable

Ive said all along that 6 years is what Brady wants, ideally but again, both sides have to give and take which is why 8 years is fine from the Tkachuk if the deal is structured properly!

I take no issue with the Senators sticking to their guns on this deal.

The term and value need to remain under control for every deal the team negotiates or they will turn into the Leafs and live in cap hell mediocracy. They also cannot let any players dictate unilaterally when he will become a free agent.

If BT wants to be a Senator long term then he can sign a deal that both sides are comfortable with. Personally, I still dislike the idea of an "intangibles" 50 point player getting $8M a season. That is simply poor cap management. However, I do understand the value of giving the fan base something to cheer for and sell seasons tickets. If the player will not commit long term get a bridge deal done and find value in a trade. Under no circumstances can the Senators set the precedent of letting the player dictate a deal that will let the player leave as a UFA after 5 seasons. I would rather the team get the bridge deal signed and extract the best value possible for the player in a trade and move along.

[quote=PavohnDatsvares]I just hate how we always mess around with our star players. We think we’re gonna be the only team in the league to not ever hand out a bonus? Melnyk and Dorion are obsessed with doing things “our way”, while the rest of the league has developed and adapted to new ways of structuring contracts. Guys like Brady often get bonuses. That’s just the way she goes.

Pay that man!
- Barrykerr1[/quote

Sorry but I disagree, on Team 1200 today they claimed that with a flat cap and various horror stories like Heatley the NHL teams are not giving out bonuses etc like a few years ago. Brady is not a superstar yet and should not get more than Chabot. His family is giving him bad advise. Dorion should not cave in, let Brady sweat it out.

Fair enough. Again, both sides are going to have to give and take. Who blinks first?

I take no issue with the Senators sticking to their guns on this deal.

The term and value need to remain under control for every deal the team negotiates or they will turn into the Leafs and live in cap hell mediocracy. They also cannot let any players dictate unilaterally when he will become a free agent.

If BT wants to be a Senator long term then he can sign a deal that both sides are comfortable with. Personally, I still dislike the idea of an "intangibles" 50 point player getting $8M a season. That is simply poor cap management. However, I do understand the value of giving the fan base something to cheer for and sell seasons tickets. If the player will not commit long term get a bridge deal done and find value in a trade. Under no circumstances can the Senators set the precedent of letting the player dictate a deal that will let the player leave as a UFA after 5 seasons. I would rather the team get the bridge deal signed and extract the best value possible for the player in a trade and move along.
- HoweHatrick

This could very well happen, well said!

I don't care how the contract is structured, if a 20 y/o kid turns down 64M (8x8) he should be traded asap. especially a 50 pt guy. period.

These contract negotiations with Brady and Kaprizov are a game of chicken and leverage. Kaprizov wanted 3 yrs and Minnesota wanted 8. After that got settled, the money went fast but then it hit a big snag on the structure side of the contract. There are so many different elements at play and neither side realizes they have limited leverage until they do and playing chicken is impeding progress.
- Minnyhock

Oh yes, this happens throughout negotiations! Well said. Nice to have a neutral fan jump in on the discussion!

I don't care how the contract is structured, if a 20 y/o kid turns down 64M (8x8) he should be traded asap. period.
- fidopro

Many fans feel the way you do for sure. The NFL got rookie contracts under control with the last CBA as unproven players were getting more than 6 year vets. I think you will see something in the next CBA along these lines as many 20 or 22 year olds are making more and more at a younger age!