With his self-imposed deadline of August 12th to make a decision on his plans for next season fast approaching, Senators first-rounder Brady Tkachuk has informed his college coach that he intends to turn pro and sign with Ottawa, reports ESPN’s John Buccigross (Twitter link).
Tkachuk is coming off of a strong freshman season at Boston University that saw him post 31 points (8-23-31) in just 40 games while also being among the top scorers at the World Juniors. That helped him become the fourth overall pick back in June.
Many believe Tkachuk is physically ready to withstand the rigors of a full NHL season and with the expectation that the Senators are still likely to sell between now and the start of the year, there is a good chance that he’d be able to step in and play a regular role right away.
However, this decision doesn’t necessarily lock him into Ottawa’s lineup come October. As he wasn’t drafted out of the CHL, he is eligible to play at the AHL level with their affiliate in Belleville. His junior rights are held by OHL London and the Sens could opt to send him there as well if he doesn’t project to be a full-timer in the NHL.
If he does start out in Ottawa, he will be subject to the same games played thresholds as other junior-aged players are. He could play nine games without burning the first year of his entry-level deal while he wouldn’t accrue a season towards unrestricted free agency until he hits the 40-game mark.
Such a huge mistake.
Agree. Though last chance to play with Duchene, Karlsson, and Stone before they leave town
but if Brady is good it may help convince someone to stay