If Ottawa continues to underachieve, though, the questions will persist. The no-movement clause in Tkachuk’s contract kicks in on July 1, and it’s ultimately on the Senators to build a team that will prove Tkachuk right in committing and reaffirming his loyalty to the franchise.

Brady Tkachuk has finally spoken out about the rumors linking him to the New York Rangers. Last week, Larry Brooks of The New York Times reported the Rangers have made Ottawa Senators forward Tkachuk their primary target.

Tkachuk revealed that Senators general manager Steve Staios had personally reassured him there was no validity to the rumors, which the player said "didn't even see" when they popped up following a report by Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

Getting a bruising forward like Tkachuk would absolutely be a whopper of a deal. But Sens VP of communications Ian Mendes had a very funny response, posting a picture of the synonyms for “whopper,” very much implying that it was an “untruth.”

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has shot down trade rumors linking him to the New York Rangers, calling the speculation unfounded and untrue. The rumors, originally reported by the New York Post,

Not only has Shesterkin broken the MSG Bank, but his eight-year contract comes with a No-Movement Clause. Which means that if he somehow stinks out the joint, we're stuck with this guy 'til the cows come home!

Here's what Senators owner Michael Andlauer had to say regarding his frustrations about the Brady Tkachuk rumors linking him to the Rangers.

Chris Drury has more moves in mind once the Rangers breakup with Jacob Trouba is completed. The Post’s Larry Brooks reports the Blueshirts have been in trade talks with multiple teams — with Senators forward Brady Tkachuk their primary target. The 25-year-old Ottawa captain would bring a jolt to the lifeless Rangers lineup and in multiple ways.

I’m gonna be honest, it doesn’t really bother me because it’s coming from a place where obviously it’s not true,” Tkachuk told